Introduction
The decline of biodiversity in the UK is well documented and we are conscious that our activities can impact habitats and therefore species' ability to thrive. In RIIO-ED2, we are committing to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain for new major projects and for selected primary and grid substation sites.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development and land management that aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was beforehand. The Environment Act sets out key components of mandatory BNG came into place at the end of 2023:
- Minimum 10% gain calculated using the Biodiversity Metric and a biodiversity gain plan.
- Habitat secured for at least 30 years via planning obligations or conservation covenants.
- Delivered on-site, off-site or via a new statutory biodiversity credits scheme.
- National register for net gain delivery sites.
In 2022 National Grid Electricity Distribution and the Heart of England Forest joined forces in a six-year collaboration agreement to facilitate the development, promotion and protection through effective cooperation and collaboration of new, recently established and mature woodland habitats within the Heart of England Forest.
In line with our commitment, we have gone beyond our statutory obligations and identified an additional 40 primary and grid substation sites across our four licence areas where Biodiversity Management Plans will also be implemented.