5 things businesses need to know about Biodiversity Net Gain

We're seeing Biodiversity Net Gain become a talking point for businesses now it needs to be factored into how development happens. It's already gone beyond being a regulatory requirement and is changing how projects are planned, delivered, and judged.

Here's a quick overview of what you need to know:

1. So what is BNG?

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a regulatory requirement in England that means any development must leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before, and in most cases, that means delivering a minimum 10% improvement and maintaining it long-term.

2. When does BNG apply to my development?

BNG is already here and has been mandatory for most developments since 2024, with the scope due to expand to include NSIPs from November 2026. It’s already a live planning condition rather than a future consideration.

3. Where can BNG be delivered for my project?

There's critical flexibility in how and where BNG is delivered so that complex or space-constrained developments can still comply. As well as delivering BNG on-site, it can also be delivered off-site or through purchasing biodiversity units. 

4. Who is affected by BNG regulations?

Developers, utilities, public sector organisations, and landowners are all directly impacted, but so are supply chains and partners. If your business relies on land, infrastructure, or planning, BNG is now part of your world.

5. Why does BNG matter?

BNG now affects whether projects get built and how they succeed. It's not only a requirement for planning approval, but it's also a new cost and risk factor, a driver of earlier, better design decisions and a growing market opportunity. It also raises expectations as businesses are increasingly expected to show not just reduced impact but positive contribution to nature.

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About the author:

Shikha Mittal is a Senior Sustainability Manager in Strategy & Policy at EDF, where she leads the development of EDF UK’s sustainability strategy. Her work focuses on integrating sustainability into business decision-making, with particular emphasis on climate transition planning, supply chain, and environmental constraints such as biodiversity and water.