IEMA input into new biodiversity and natural capital standards
IEMA has contributed to the creation of two new British Standards on biodiversity and natural capital. IEMA policy and practice lead Nick Blyth and several other IEMA members are on the committees that oversaw the creation of the standards.
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is set to be a mandatory requirement for new developments in England. BS 8683 – Process for designing and implementing Biodiversity Net Gain – builds on IEMA’s 2016 BNG principles, produced with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and the Construction Industry Research and Information Association. Combined with good legislation and practice, the standard can help developments to deliver better outcomes for nature.
Meanwhile, BS 8632 – Natural Capital Accounting for Organizations can provide organisations with a deeper understanding of how operations impact and depend on natural capital. The standard is intended to be used by those preparing the accounts.
“IEMA members have a critical role to play in influencing decision-making and helping to build in better outcomes for nature,” said Blyth. “These two standards are welcome additions to our toolbox. We look forward also to the forthcoming government consultation on BNG and are continuing to push for legislation that drives positive outcomes for nature.”
IEMA has a history of working with the British Standards Institution and the International Organisation for Standardization, helping embed environmental practice into decision-making.
By Tom Pashby, IEMA digital journalist