BRE responds to reports of UK government's u-turn on biodiversity net gains - BRE Group
BRE responds to reports of UK government's u-turn on biodiversity net gains
Following the decision to drop energy efficiency targets in the Private Rented Sector, delays to the phasing out of fossil fuel boilers and the abolition of the Energy Efficiency Task Force, this latest news characterises a deeply concerning trend in the Government’s approach to decarbonisation across the UK’s built environment. More and faster, not less and slower, action is needed if we are to meet our 2050 goals.
Our industry has been working hard to prepare for the inclusion of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules and the reported delays threaten to cause prolonged uncertainty for some major projects – and the loss of habitats which would otherwise be developed.
We urgently need clarity from government on the implementation of BNG so that industry can successfully deliver these vital environmental improvements at the scale required.
BRE has long supported the development of standards that restore and protect biodiversity.
Gillian Charlesworth, CEO at BRE.
BRE has long supported the development of standards that restore and protect biodiversity. As such, the latest versions of BREEAM UK New Construction, BREEAM Infrastructure and the Home Quality Mark will continue to have BNG at the heart of their land use and ecology criteria which will improve local biodiversity by increasing the quality, connectivity, density and coverage of natural spaces.