DESIGNING with NATURE

Owen Faunt and Matt Bonney from GCP Architects offer an architect’s perspective on mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) and what it means for the physical activity and sports sector

The landscape of sports development is undergoing a significant transformation, one that architects are involved in shaping. It’s no longer sufficient to focus solely on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing designs; there’s an increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility. Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a key part of this shift, influencing how we conceptualise and integrate sports facilities within the broader ecosystem. For architects working on projects that include 3G pitches, understanding BNG principles is now at the forefront of our design work.

BNG represents a measurable approach to development, mandating a 10% increase in biodiversity. This isn’t merely a guideline; it’s a requirement for securing planning permission. The Environment Act 2021 provided the legislative framework for this change, with BNG becoming mandatory for major development projects in February 2024 and for small sites in April 2024. This legislation marks a shift from simply mitigating environmental harm to actively pursuing biodiversity enhancement. It signifies a transition from a “do no harm” ethos to an “actively do good” approach.

How BNG Works

BNG uses a metric to measure biodiversity in “Biodiversity Units” (BU). A development project starts with a baseline assessment - usually undertaken by an Ecologist - to determine the existing biodiversity value of the site. The goal of BNG is to ensure that the development results in a measurable increase of at least 10% in these biodiversity units. This can be achieved through various methods, such as creating new habitats or enhancing existing ones, either within the development site (onsite) or by contributing to biodiversity improvements elsewhere (offsite).

What does this mean?

For developers, this means that every project must consider its impact on the surrounding ecosystem and identify practical ways to contribute to ecological improvement. This involves a range of strategies to achieve the required biodiversity net gain.

The BNG process is structured and involves several stages:

● Site selection (considering existing ecological value) ● Baseline assessment (documenting existing biodiversity) ● Scheme design (integrating BNG measures) ● BNG assessment (measuring biodiversity gains) ● Development of a BNG Plan including both onsite and offsite BNG strategies (prioritising effective solutions) ● Planning approval ● Ongoing BNG maintenance for a minimum of 30 years

It signifies a transition from a ‘do no harm’ ethos to an ‘actively do good’ approach

It’s a holistic and long-term approach that demands careful planning and execution. A challenge in sports development, particularly with artificial pitches, is that like-for-like replacements can result in a loss of biodiversity. For instance, the replacement of a natural turf pitch with an artificial surface can lead to a reduction in biodiversity units. However, this loss can be offset by the design and integration of diverse habitats within the areas surrounding the pitch, demonstrating that practical solutions can reconcile development with ecological gain.

BNG can be achieved through two primary avenues – onsite and offsite. Onsite BNG consists of integrating biodiversity enhancements within the development site itself. Offsite BNG, meanwhile, means purchasing biodiversity credits to compensate for biodiversity losses that cannot be adequately addressed onsite. Developers should be aware that offsite credits can be a significant cost factor. At the time of printing prices range very approximately from £42,000 and £125,000 per biodiversity unit (for non-wetland areas), making onsite solutions often more practical.

By embracing BNG principles and adopting a proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative approach, developers can play a role in creating not only welcoming and functional sports facilities but also more sustainable environments. Remember, “Conversations cost nothing,” so initiate discussions about BNG early, prioritise ecological considerations, and make BNG an integral component of your project.

BNG Pro Tips for Developers

Successfully navigating the requirements of BNG necessitates a proactive and informed approach, here are some pro tips:

Thoroughly investigate the local authority’s specific stance on BNG, as certain authorities may mandate biodiversity gains exceeding the national minimum of 10%. Don’t commit to a site without investigating the likely baseline biodiversity value.

Engage with a qualified ecologist as early as possible in the project life-cycle, as ecologists are currently in high demand. A pragmatic and professional presentation of the ecological status of a site is likely to be crucial to the planning decision. Early conversations are valuable.

Adopt a practical perspective regarding project costs. Offsite credits can be expensive, particularly in the context of sports and play developments. Explore all potential onsite solutions and consider consulting with Sport England for guidance.

Avoid the temptation to cut corners on BNG implementation, as this can lead to complications, delays, and increased costs.

Talk to an Ecologist Early

Be Realistic

Don’t Cut Corners