Paul Hodgkinson of Wienerberger considers the impact of the ‘Biodiversity Trilemma’ of evolving legislation, declining species abundance and greater consumer understanding of environmental matters, and what it means for housebuilders.

The challenges faced by housebuilders of meeting Biodiversity Net Gain requirements are both complex and unprecedented. Let’s begin by looking at legislation. The Government’s Environment Act 2021, for instance, marks a real step change in biodiversity requirements for new construction projects. 

This legislation introduces a mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10 per cent on or near new developments, measured using a complex calculation based on Natural England Metric 3.0, which replaced Defra’s Biodiversity Metric. This follows a series of ongoing changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which has raised the bar for biodiversity standards over the last 10 years. 

In 2012, NPPF required developers to “seek net gains for biodiversity where possible” and in 2019 the wording was changed to state: “opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be encouraged, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity.” 

In 2021 it was updated again to drive integration through design. NPPF now states: “opportunities to incorporate biodiversity improvements in and around developments should be integrated as part of their design, especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity”. Other relevant policies include the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and individual European Protected Species Licensing for individual species. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? 

It’s not just regulatory drivers that are raising the profile of biodiversity in new residential and non-residential developments. 

The 2019 State of Nature Report states that urban areas in the UK now hold more species than the countryside, due largely to the provision of essential components for biodiversity. But wildlife is in a state of decline across the UK, with 41% of species dropping in numbers since 1970. 

Bats have fallen dramatically in numbers over the last 50 years and our most common bat, the common pipistrelle, has declined by almost 70%. House sparrows have declined by around 50% in the same period and are now
red-listed as a species of high conservation concern. The number of swifts fell by 53% between 1995 and 2016, and starlings by 66% since the mid-1970s – also red-listed as a bird of high conservation concern.

Add to this the final facet of what we call the ‘Biodiversity Trilemma’ which is the growing need for developers to appeal to ‘hearts and minds’. As homebuyers become more aware of both the environment and their own wellness, buildings that support local wildlife to create better outdoor spaces will become more attractive.  

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), for instance, recorded a 69% increase in web traffic between March and May 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, including a tenfold increase in views of its ‘build a bird box’ web page.

WHAT CAN DEVELOPERS DO? 

By planning for nature, architects and specifiers can support housebuilders to reconnect with nature. But this relies on making informed, data-driven decisions on projects which are shaped by early communication and collaboration. 

Such measures no longer need to be costly or complex. Those responsible for design and specification now have access to a wide range of solutions to help achieve the necessary ecological enhancements and ensure biodiversity net gain. Often these will work together to help contribute to the net gain required. 

For example, whilst they don’t specifically gain points in the Biodiversity Net Gain calculation tool, Eco-habitats provide a fuss-free and inexpensive option, which can be introduced as supplementary enhancements to provide durable and discrete habitats for British birds, bats and other species. 

WHAT ARE ECO-HABITATS?

The premise is simple. Initially driven by architect demand for more discrete solutions, integrated wildlife boxes offer durable and discrete habitats for British birds, bats and other species. Ready to be integrated into the fabric of a building as it is built or renovated, they are produced to standard brick sizing for ease of installation. Boxes are available faced in any brick type or stone, and roofing eco-habitats are also available; all can be made bespoke to suit individual project requirements. 

Bird boxes are tailored to individual species such as swifts, starlings and sparrows, providing space for nesting and roosting which is safe from predators. They are usually constructed using insulating concrete block which provides an internal roost space, with access holes to suit different species, before cladded with a brick face to match the building fabric. 

Bat boxes are also solid boxes made of insulating concrete that provide an internal roost space and cladded appropriately. Suitable for most species commonly found in the UK, a single chambered unit with increased surface area is beneficial for bats to roost against, whilst allowing freedom of movement.

Bat access roof tiles are specifically designed to provide the right kind of space to protect bats from the elements in their new habitat.

Solitary and bumble bee bricks are produced to UK brick size format so they can be easily installed in place of a standard brick. These feature holes of varying sizes to provide resting space for different species of solitary bee. Bees lay their eggs in these cavities before sealing the entrance with mud and chewed-up vegetation. The offspring then emerge in spring and the cycle repeats.

Bug bricks are produced to UK brick size format and therefore can be installed in place of a standard brick. The range of hole sizes provides different species of bugs a much-needed resting place and a vital food source for other animals such as birds and bats.

Hedgehog boxes (designed in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice) incorporate an internal baffle system to prevent predators entering the house. Made from exterior quality plywood, they come from an FSC sustainable
source ensuring boxes are durable and waterproof.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? 

Biodiversity is no longer a ‘nice to do’ in new developments. Recent changes in planning frameworks and the introduction of the Environment Act 2021 mean biodiversity net gain is now a critical requirement in order to secure planning consent for new developments. Under the NPPF, developers are at risk of not securing planning consent if they do not integrate biodiversity improvements within their design.

There is currently no quantitative value assigned to Eco-habitats through Natural England Metric 3.0, but wider biodiversity benefits must also be considered, including the provision of Eco-habitats; they  can also be included within a project’s Biodiversity Net Gain report to support developers to overcome the biodiversity challenge.

That is why project teams are increasingly turning to these thoughtfully-designed solutions as proactive solutions, creating spaces for wildlife rather than replacing them. 

To download Wienerberger’s new white paper, ‘The Changing Shape of Biodiversity in the Built Environment – Exploring the Role of Eco-Habitats in the Drive For Biodiversity Net Gain’, visit: www.wienerberger.co.uk/biodiversity-report 

Paul Hodgkinson is director of new business development at Wienerberger UK and Ireland