[ad_1]
A key part of driving a more sustainable and greener future is protecting and enhancing biodiversity. Statistics from the World Economic Forum show that the built environment is responsible for 30% of biodiversity loss due to the rapid expansion of cities and urban areas. However, if the sector can protect and promote biodiversity, it will have countless positive impacts on the world at large and on industries and activities within the built environment.
To this end, biodiversity is a key discussion point in RIBA Horizons 2034, a four-part insight-gathering program highlighting global trends for the near future. Exclusively for RIBA members, each themed issue consists of four articles written by respected experts and thought leaders. RIBA Horizons 2034 launches today (Thursday 21 March), taking an in-depth look at environmental challenges. Now you can also read how to put these visions into practice.
However, now, from 2 April (2024), small sites must make a mandatory net gain in biodiversity.
The vast majority of small practices work on projects that do not guarantee that outside experts will meet their legal obligations under net benefits or protection of existing species and habitats. This external expert (e.g., an ecologist) is usually the most capable and suitable person to complete the government’s official biodiversity measurement tool. In this context, primary indicators are a powerful tool that uses infill indicators to inform non-ecologists about biodiversity needs in building design scenarios. Meanwhile, smaller practices working on smaller greenfield projects will from now on be able to consider a simpler version for themselves – the Small Site Metric (SSM). At this point it is best to use published metrics and small site metrics guidelines to evaluate the appropriate tool in a single project case.
Is it difficult to fill in the indicators?
If the number of new dwellings is unknown, a small residential site is defined as less than 10 dwellings (or less than 0.5 hectares (ha)). Land for commercial development must be less than 1 hectare or have a built-up area of less than 1,000 square meters.
Natural England’s metrology expert Jamie Hannah said that while a certified ecologist or someone who can demonstrate similar competency is required to use the primary indicator, the SSM should be available to a wider audience on a site-by-site basis. . He added that if using SSM, you must be able to identify and ensure that only the habitat available in the SSM exists, along with a clear management plan.
“Filling out the indicators is a relatively simple process,” he said. “A lot of the work starts with evaluating the information you get from site visits, desk research, and whether there’s anything special that warrants the use of key indicators.”
Architects were asked to demonstrate that no habitat types were classified as above “moderate uniqueness.” They should also be satisfied that there are no areas within their site designated as priority habitat or protected species, which would also automatically require the use of primary indicators. Natural England strongly recommends using primary indicators if there is any high value habitat within 500 metres. The use of either indicator will not alter existing biodiversity protections, statutory obligations, policy requirements, ecological mitigation levels or any other existing requirements.
Any encroachment on the site or adjacent watercourses also precludes the use of SSM.
For guidance on habitat on site or adjacent, Hannah directs architects to the descriptive guidance in the latest UK Habitat Classification document V2.01, which is available for free download.
Find out more about the RIBA Academy Biodiversity Net Gains Policy Update course
What is required to fill out a metric tool?
Photographic evidence of specific habitat assessments is strongly recommended. Not only would this be a recognition of the potential low competency of the evaluator, but it would also serve as a check on the planner to ensure that the evaluation appears to be reasonable when the indicator output is submitted.
Architects should also document individual trees on site – for example, how many will be retained/lost, and how many will be planted (if this is the case). Depending on the extent of the changes, consultation with an arborist and biodiversity consultant may also be required to meet project needs.
Hanna said SSM produces similar outputs to primary indicators, but requires significantly less information and has limitations in its use, such as intervention types and limited habitat types.
It is very intuitive and prompts for all the key information required, such as site size, number of planned dwellings or commercial planned footprint, and raises red flags whenever input information does not meet the metrics, including a notification when SSM should not be used.
Of course, users should check whether their local planning authority requires their particular project to have a minimum net gain of 10% under planning policy, as in some cases the requirement may be higher and, depending on the circumstances, there may be further requirements . Land purchase contract.
Natural England has a biodiversity net gain inquiry mailbox – basically an email-based helpline – that architects can use. Hannah said this could be used for technical inquiries, guidance interpretation or information about registering sites for off-site biodiversity units.
“The main advice we give is to use this tool early in the design process. You can even use it during the site selection phase. If you use this metric early and use it for design iterations rather than using it as a late check, Then you’ll be more successful at realizing net gains.
Find out more about the RIBA Academy’s statutory biodiversity indicators training
What’s next for biodiversity?
Hannah points out that some developers and their advisers are sometimes too quick to view net biodiversity gains as planning conditions and additional costs, ignoring new opportunities that could create tradable biodiversity surpluses.
If a site provides opportunities to create high-value habitat, perhaps through expansion of adjacent special interest habitat or enhanced waterways, then there may be corresponding opportunities to generate and sell remaining off-site biodiversity units. He noted that increasing biodiversity could become part of developers’ business models.
Not only will the high-value habitat add to the amenity value of the development, but the resulting units could be sold to other developers or one of the anticipated habitat bankers to emerge. Proactive developers may choose to trade biodiversity benefits through their own pipeline developments.
Of course, all of this is beyond the scope of the SSM, as the National Register of Biodiversity Gain Sites maintained by Natural England (to which all tradable gain sites must be registered) will only interact with the primary indicator. Hannah says the message is that you don’t have to think small when it comes to biodiversity, you can do big things.
Access the RIBA Horizons 2034 programme, which this week includes four articles discussing environmental challenges.
Thanks to Jamie Hannah, Natural England
This is a professional feature edited by the RIBA practice team.Send us your feedback and ideas
RIBA Core Course Topic: Sustainable Architecture.
Specialist features are micro-learning as part of the flexible RIBA CPD programme. Find out more about the updated RIBA CPD core curriculum and how to meet your CPD requirements as a Chartered Member of the RIBA.
[ad_2]
Source link