Biodiversity Net Gain Units Across the UK
We partner with residential and commercial developers to deliver impactful biodiversity strategies that contribute to a healthier climate and environment.
What Is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a government policy that requires developers in England to leave the natural environment in a better state than before their project began. This means delivering at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value on or off the development site.
BNG units are the measurable credits used to account for these improvements. When on-site enhancements aren’t possible, developers can purchase BNG units from approved off-site habitat projects to meet planning obligations and support long-term conservation.
Build Sustainably with Nature in Mind
With new legislation being rolled out across England, Biodiversity Net Gain decarbonisation, and nutrient neutrality are now key factors in gaining planning approval for most developments. These requirements aim to reduce environmental impact by addressing biodiversity loss and limiting nitrate and phosphate pollution.
At Tariff.com, we help developers enhance local biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase carbon capture as part of their land development plans.
Our practical, commercially focused solutions support you throughout the entire process, from early planning stages to project delivery and long-term management.
Why Developers Need BNG Units
Now England must deliver at least a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain under the Environment Act 2021. While some projects can achieve this on-site, space or design constraints often make it unfeasible.
Off-site BNG units offer a practical solution, allowing developers to meet legal requirements by funding habitat creation or restoration elsewhere. Local planning authorities require proof of BNG compliance before granting permission, and purchasing units ensures you stay on track without delays or redesigns, all while supporting long-term environmental improvement.
Three Ways to Meet BNG Requirements
Failing to meet Biodiversity Net Gain requirements can delay or even reject your planning application. Here’s how to ensure compliance:
On-Site Biodiversity Enhancement: The Preferred Method: The most encouraged method is to create new habitats or improve existing ones directly within your development. Early ecological assessments are key to maximising this potential.
Off-Site BNG Units: A Flexible Option: If on-site BNG isn’t fully achievable, you can purchase BNG units from approved off-site locations. These units, created through legally secured habitat enhancement, must be registered with Natural England.
Statutory Biodiversity Credits: The Last Resort: As a final option, if both on-site and off-site solutions are unfeasible, you can purchase Statutory Biodiversity Credits from the UK government. These credits are intentionally expensive to encourage other options, with funds supporting national habitat projects.
Biodiversity Units With Tariff
If your project can’t achieve full BNG on-site, here is how we can help.
Tariff.com is actively involved in various registered projects. We have a strong presence and projects in the Bristol region, where we collaborate closely with local stakeholders.
However, our operational scope is UK-wide. We partner with carefully selected landowners, and local authorities across the country. This ensures that all BNG units sourced via Tariff.com are not only registered and compliant but also represent genuine, high-quality environmental enhancements, delivering the biodiversity uplift your project requires.
How The Process Works
We’re here to help you hit your Biodiversity Net Gain targets, from initial planning to long-term land management:
Strategic Oversight: We’ll start by assessing your project’s unique challenges and the policy landscape. This gives us a clear roadmap for your planning and development.
Crafting Enhancement Plans: During the planning and design phases, we’ll develop practical and effective biodiversity enhancement strategies, always following the BNG mitigation hierarchy.
Facilitating 10% Net Gain: If off-site solutions are necessary to achieve the 10% uplift, we’ll connect you with suitable land or provide direct access to BNG units.
Long-Term Stewardship: Our land management experts will oversee continuous monitoring and maintenance of these projects, maximizing ecological benefits and validating all BNG credits.
Why Choose Tariff.com?
Tariff.com empowers businesses to make positive changes by offering tailored support to simplify sustainability. That's why we provide a hassle-free experience. Starting your business's net-zero journey can benefit you in many ways:
Net-Zero Emissions
Set and reach a gradual net-zero target for your business.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Switch to a renewable energy tariff and reduce your carbon footprint.
Boost Your Reputation
Impressive customers and stakeholders with your green credentials.
Support Net-Zero UK
Help the UK reach a net-zero target by contributing to local nature recovery and planning compliance.
Start Your Net-Zero Journey Today
Climate change is increasingly urgent for governments, companies, and consumers alike. We all have a responsibility to make changes, including businesses, who will be closely watched by many. After all, doing right by the planet is doing right by your customers.
However, your transition to net-zero doesn’t have be a burden. Tariff.com empowers businesses to change for the better, offering tailored support to make sustainability simpler. We employ a comprehensive 5-step strategy to transform your emissions and revolutionise your energy usage.
1. Calculate
We’ll measure the carbon footprint and environmental impact of your business.
2. Target
We’ll help you set achievable targets to tackle your emissions.
3. Reduce
We’ll help reduce your consumption and optimise energy usage.
4. Offset
We’ll offset your remaining emissions with carbon credits and environmental projects.
5. Results
We’ll measure the carbon footprint and environmental impact of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
BNG is a crucial step to address the ongoing decline in biodiversity. It ensures that development contributes positively to nature recovery, helping to halt and reverse species loss and improve the overall health of ecosystems.
BNG impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Developers (of major and small sites)
- Local Planning Authorities (LPAs)
- Landowners and land managers looking to sell land for development or create off-site BNG opportunities.
- Ecological consultants.
BNG is measured using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, developed by Natural England. This metric is a habitat-based tool that assesses the biodiversity value of a site before and after development, taking into account factors like habitat size, type, condition, and strategic significance. It calculates biodiversity value in “biodiversity units.”
A habitat bank is a dedicated area of land where biodiversity is created or enhanced specifically for the purpose of generating BNG units. These units can then be sold to developers who need off-site solutions.
For off-site gains or significant on-site gains, legal agreements are essential. These typically include:
Section 106 Agreements: Between the developer and the Local Planning Authority.
Conservation Covenants: A new legal tool under the Environment Act, made with a “Responsible Body” (e.g., a local authority, charity, or public body).
Mandatory BNG became a legal requirement for most major developments from 12 February 2024. For smaller sites, it became mandatory from 2 April 2024. Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) will be subject to BNG from November 2025.
The mitigation hierarchy is a fundamental principle of BNG, encouraging developers to prioritise actions in the following order:
Avoid: Design development to avoid impacts on biodiversity as much as possible.
Minimise: If impacts cannot be avoided, minimise them through careful design and construction methods.
Restore: Restore any damaged habitats on-site.
Offset/Compensate: As a last resort, compensate for unavoidable habitat loss by creating or enhancing habitats off-site or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.
The number of BNG units required depends on your specific site’s size, location, and existing ecological value, as calculated by a qualified ecologist using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric. The goal is always to achieve a 10% net gain over the pre-development baseline.
The cost of BNG units in the market is influenced by supply and demand. Factors such as the location of the units (closer to the development site is generally preferred), the distinctiveness and condition of the habitat being created/enhanced, and the overall demand for units in a particular area will affect pricing.
Yes, landowners can create and sell off-site biodiversity units from their land. This involves legally securing the habitat enhancement for at least 30 years and registering the site and units on the national register. This can be a new source of revenue for landowners.
Request BNG Units
Looking to secure BNG units for your next development?
Our expert team is here to help. Whether your project is in Bristol or further afield in the UK, we’ve got the units you need.