Integrating Biodiversity into Real Estate: The Transformative Effects of Biodiversity Net Gain Policy

Season 2, Episode 6 – with Ben Stansfield, Lawyer Gowling WLG

Episode Description:

Join us in a thought-provoking episode of the ESG and Property Podcast, where we dive deep into the transformative world of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy and its impact on real estate development. In this episode, sustainability lawyer Ben Stansfield from Gowlings shares his wealth of experience in environmental law and sustainability, and how these fields are becoming integral to shaping the future of property development.

Discover how the emerging BNG policy is setting a new standard for urban planning, mental health, and the creation of biodiverse ecosystems within the property market. Ben navigates us through the complexities of baseline assessments, the biodiversity metric, and the challenges and opportunities this new policy presents for developers, businesses, and landowners.

From the evolution of sustainability law to innovative nature projects, this episode explores how integrating nature into property development is not just beneficial for the environment but also for the mental well-being of communities. With discussions on the practical steps businesses can take to be nature positive, the potential of land management for conservation efforts, and the emerging biodiversity market, this podcast is a must-listen for industry professionals, environmental enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the nexus of biodiversity and urban development.

(13:13 - 14:00) Importance and Precaution of Policy Release

(15:59 - 17:41) Implementation Process for Biodiversity Improvement

(23:46 - 24:35) Concerns About Conservation Covenants

(32:02 - 33:37) Business Opportunities in Nature Markets

(38:16 - 40:10) Unlocking Land for Biodiversity and Income

(43:06 - 44:15) Incorporating Nature Into Development Schemes

Ben Stansfield:

Ben Stansfield is one the UK's leading lawyers practising planning and environmental law. Ben brings with him a wealth of experience advising clients on the consenting and regulation of their projects and their compliance with environmental regulations and reporting standards.

In addition to his advisory and transactional practices, a substantial part of Ben's work is contentious, and he has enjoyed a number of successes, both bringing and defending challenges to planning permissions and environmental consents.

Ben is highly regarded for his straightforward approach and clients appreciate his ability to break down complex regulations into user-friendly practical advice that they can action. 

Ben is a former Vice Chair of the United Kingdom Environmental Law Association (UKELA) and was a Trustee of UKELA for eight years.

Gowling WLG:

The global real estate market is dynamic and complex. To navigate this challenging and fast-moving industry, you require responsive legal advisers with an in-depth knowledge of international and local markets: responsive, accessible and able to execute your transactions seamlessly.

Gowling WLG is home to one of the world's strongest multi-disciplinary real estate legal teams. They are committed to providing clients with timely, practical advice to help them meet the demands of customers, partners, regulators and investors.