Biodiversity Net Gain: An Option for Income Generation

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a relatively new concept, having been introduced in 2024. It is a planning concept and is known outside of Town and Country Planning circles but there is certainly room for more officers and councillors to learn about the topic. However, BNG has a significance way beyond just planning and represents a rare opportunity for local authorities to embark on a process that is fully aligned with their values, improves a key element of their green agenda and earns them considerable, and much needed, funding. As such, it is perhaps surprising that the concept still appears to be a well-kept secret.

This document is intended to provide an overview of Biodiversity Net Gain whilst focussing on a particular element of the issue. The report concentrates on the council as a landowner acting in a similar way to if it was considering a renewable energy or other development project. It will describe the wider position and explain the policy background in order to put a context in place. 

This document is available to APSE Energy members without charge. All energy members will have received the password. Please contact Charley Burke at [email protected] if you'd like to be resent the password.

For further information about APSE Energy, please contact Phil Brennan, Head of APSE Energy on 0161 772 1810 or at [email protected] or James Jefferson, Principal Advisor at [email protected]

View report (pdf)