Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is one of the leading trends in Real Estate today. ESG initiatives drive developers to align with regulatory requirements and meet investor and community expectations for sustainable practices. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Nutrient Neutrality (NN) are becoming important contributors to wider ESG strategies.
As ESG pressures rise, integrating BNG and NN into real estate projects signals a commitment to a more sustainable, resilient future. The environmental and social components of ESG align closely with BNG and NN practices, reflecting a proactive approach to ecological responsibility. They are key to compliance, and central to crafting projects that meet the demands of investors, communities, and future generations.
How BNG and NN contribute to ESG Strategies
BNG and NN offer tangible solutions to ESG concerns.
- Boost Environmental Credibility: The standards ensure that developers are reducing their ecological footprint. Through the prioritisation of ecosystem health, companies fulfil environmental responsibilities which enhances credibility with investors, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
- Increase Social Contribution: Projects that prioritise clean waters and green spaces provide recreational and health benefits to the local community. Through visibly prioritising environmental health, developers can foster relationships of trust with local communities and stakeholders.
- Meet Regulatory Compliance: BNG is regulated as part of the planning process. In addition to this, complying is not only a regulatory necessity, but also a step toward future-proofing developments.
- Increase Project Appeal for ESG Investors: Projects that achieve positive biodiversity and nutrient outcomes become more attractive to ESG-focused investors. Supporting the financial and social longevity of developments.
What does the episode cover?
In the ESG in Property Podcast (hosted by LifeProven), Jack Potter, Partner at Wild Capital, discusses BNG and NN, and how to effectively include these within the development process. BNG and NN can only be successful components to ESG strategies if they are fully understood.
Jack, an experienced ecologist, shares how we (Wild Capital) support UK developers in meeting BNG and NN requirements through sustainable land-use solutions, supported by real-life examples. The episode covers the common challenges that developers face when working with high-value habitats and balancing development needs with environmental priorities. Balanced with the the significant opportunities that are created. Allowing developers to design project that align with strict ESG goals, reduce environmental impact, and boost market appeal.
The episode looks at two projects, the first is a creation of a wetland in Wiltshire, designed to filter nutrient pollution, helping the development meet NN standards and enhance local biodiversity. The second, a restoration of agricultural land in Northern England, where Wild Capital worked to regenerate the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity, and delivering BNG units for future developments. Through these initiatives, Wild Capital demonstrates how BNG and NN compliance can transform projects into ecological assets.
This episode of the ESG in Property Podcast, helps developers understand and apply BNG and NN strategies, and the ability in creating developments that are both environmentally restorative and investment-worthy.
Listen to the full podcast via the link below: