Biodiversity mitigation hierarchy
The mitigation hierarchy when applied to biodiversity, in particular biodiversity net gain (BNG), is a decision tree designed to help effectively manage the impact developments have on biodiversity, as such the principles and process of the biodiversity net gain procedures generally adopt the same approach.
The hierarchy forms an inverted triangle with the highest impact measures at the top (similar in principle to the waste hierarchy for construction) with avoidance the highest impact approach to be considered first and foremost, whilst as a last resort in some cases contributions to alternative biodiversity projects may be considered where other options are not possible. The 5 steps; Avoidance, Minimisation, Restoration, Offsetting and Contributions are described below.
- Avoiding the impacts on a development on biodiversity through location, scale or timing is the first priority.
- Minimising a developments impact on biodiversity through approach and design should be prioritised next.
- Restoring habitats damaged or degraded by a development such as replanting or reseeding next.
- Offsetting refers to compensating unavoidable impacts of development, possibly elsewhere on a different site.
- Contributing financially to wider conservation efforts is seen as a last but viable option in certain cases.
For further information see Natural England Biodiversity Metric 3 or visit BNG Q and A or BNG.gov
See also: Mitigation hierarchy.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biodiversity in building design and construction
- Biodiversity in the urban environment.
- Biodiversity Gain.
- Biodiversity gain plan.
- Biodiversity gain site register.
- Biodiversity net gain consultation.
- Biodiversity net gain regulations and implementation.
- Biodiversity offsetting.
- Biodiversity units
- Biodiversity metric
- Biophilic design.
- BREEAM Enhancing site ecology.
- BREEAM Long term impact on biodiversity.
- Ecological network.
- Ecological impact assessment.
- Ecology.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Geodiversity.
- Green infrastructure.
- Green roofs.
- Habitat.
- Habitat banks.
- Habitat management and monitoring plan HMMP.
- Local Nature Recovery Strategy LNRS.
- Mitigation hierarchy.
- Nature improvement area.
- Natural capital.
- Natural environment white paper.
- nature recovery network.
- Protected species.
- Sustainable development toolkit.
- The future of green infrastructure.
- Tree preservation order.
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.