Progressing City Modernization
In the UK, the introduction of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation in early 2024 marks a significant step towards mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of development and enhancing natural habitats and ecosystems. One company leading the way in meeting these targets is Bauder, a pioneer in green roof technology in the UK and Ireland for over 30 years.
Bauder's green roof product manager, Chris Roddick, collaborates extensively with ecologists and landscape architects to ensure their green roof systems meet BNG targets. The company's BauderBIODIVERSE Green Roof, for instance, includes a matrix of different habitats, such as additional aggregate, organic matter, and dew ponds, providing a biodiverse environment that can support a range of plant and animal species.
The BNG legislation is a mandatory planning condition that obligates developers to ensure a measurable net increase in biodiversity. Developers can achieve BNG in three ways: by creating biodiversity on site, through a combination of on-site and off-site measures, or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits from the government.
Measuring biodiversity net gain in green roof projects involves using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric to calculate how much biodiversity is added or preserved. While specific guidelines for Bauder's green roof solutions are not detailed, here's a general approach that can be applied to Bauder or similar green roof projects:
## Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
BNG is a mandatory requirement in the UK for many developments, aiming to achieve a net gain of at least 10% in biodiversity compared to the pre-development state. This is measured using DEFRA's biodiversity metric tool, which calculates biodiversity value for existing habitats, enhancements, and new creations.
## General Steps for Measuring BNG in Green Roof Projects
1. **Baseline Assessment:** - Use the biodiversity metric tool to assess the initial biodiversity value of the site. - Record existing habitats, including green spaces, but note that green roofs on private dwellinghouses are treated differently from those on commercial buildings.
2. **Design and Implementation:** - Incorporate biodiversity-enhancing features into the green roof design, such as native plant species and structural elements that support wildlife. - Bauder's green roof solutions, like many others, can provide habitat creation opportunities for urban wildlife.
3. **Biodiversity Metrics Application:** - Calculate the biodiversity units generated by the green roof using the area habitat units module of the biodiversity metric tool. - Ensure that the area of the green roof is correctly accounted for by subtracting it from the building footprint and recording any overlapping habitats.
4. **Post-Development Monitoring:** - Monitor the biodiversity performance of the green roof over time to ensure it meets or exceeds the BNG target. - Regularly assess the health and biodiversity contribution of the green roof to maintain or enhance its biodiversity value.
## Guidelines for Bauder's Green Roof Solutions
While specific guidelines for Bauder are not detailed, a general approach includes: - **Native Plant Selection:** Use locally native plant species to enhance biodiversity support. - **Structural Features:** Incorporate structural elements like insect hotels or bird nesting sites to increase biodiversity. - **Maintenance Plans:** Develop a maintenance plan to ensure the long-term health and biodiversity value of the green roof.
## Utilizing Green Roofs for BNG
Green roofs can significantly contribute to BNG by providing habitats for urban wildlife, reducing urban heat island effects, and enhancing stormwater management. By carefully designing and maintaining these green spaces, developers can meet BNG requirements while offering additional ecological benefits.
In collaboration with Buglife, the invertebrate charity, Bauder has developed specifications that optimize the ecological potential of green roof areas. Every green roof project by Bauder combines a finished planting scheme, supportive components, and a secure waterproofing system under a single guarantee.
By adhering to the Green Roof Organisation (GRO) Code of Best Practice for the UK and setting the standard for green roof systems to meet BNG targets, Bauder is paving the way for sustainable urban development in the UK.
- Bauder, a leader in green roof technology for three decades, collaborates with ecologists and landscape architects to create green roof systems that meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) targets, such as the BauderBIODIVERSE Green Roof with habitats for a range of species.
- Implementing the BNG legislation in the UK aims to enhance natural habitats and ecosystems through a mandatory net increase in biodiversity, which can be achieved by preserving existing habitats, creating new ones, or purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.
- Green roofs, like Bauder's solutions, offer potential for BNG by providing habitats for urban wildlife, reducing urban heat island effects, and improving stormwater management, making them important components of sustainable urban development.
- Developers can contribute to environmental-science and climate-change mitigation efforts by adopting sustainable-living practices in their home-and-garden projects, such as installing green roofs that support biodiversity and reduce the urban heat island effect.
