What are biodiversity units
Biodiversity units in the UK are used as part of the biodiversity metric, an official and statutory term referring to a way of measuring biodiversity value for the purposes of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulations. For this purpose there are three types of biodiversity units, which are calculated in three separate modules or types used; area units, hedgerow units and watercourse units.
The metric approach is used to calculate how many units a habitat contains before a development takes place and how many units are needed to replace the units of habitat lost in order to achieve 10% BNG according to the regulation, through the creation or enhancement of habitat.
The biodiversity metric used to calculate biodiversity units takes into consideration the size, condition, strategic significance and type of the habitat under consideration. For habitats that are enhanced or newly created, the formula also takes account of; the difficulty of the creation or enhancement, the time it takes a habitat to reach its target condition and the distance from the habitat loss.
It measures all types of habitat, including:
- grassland
- hedgerows
- lakes
- woodland
- watercourses such as rivers and streams
The statutory (official) biodiversity metric calculation tool must be used in order to demonstrate that a developer has calculated the number of biodiversity units for existing habitat or habitat enhancements in accordance with the statutory biodiversity metric.
For further information on the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) visit here
For further information on the biodiversity metric calculation tools and guides visit here
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biodiversity.
- Biodiversity gain.
- Biodiversity in the urban environment.
- Biodiversity offsetting.
- Biophilia.
- Blue-green infrastructure.
- Blue green solutions.
- Designing green and blue roofs.
- Ecological network.
- Ecological impact assessment.
- Ecology.
- Ecology compensation.
- Ecology connectivity.
- Environmental impact assessment.
- Environmental net gain.
- Green infrastructure.
- Green roofs.
- Nature improvement area.
- Natural environment white paper.
- Sustainable development toolkit.
- The future of green infrastructure.
- The sustainability of construction works.
- Water engineering.
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.