IEMA have published a new paper for members: Environmental net gain: Good practice insights.
The paper aims to unpack the current understanding of the ENG concept to provide some recommendations for good practice in relation to particular complexities when adopting an ENG approach.
The paper includes:
what we mean when we talk about ENG
why we should consider ENG
drivers of ENG
key considerations in moving from biodiversity net gain (BNG)
case studies of elements of ENG
The paper aims to improve the consistency of ENG understanding among sustainability professionals and to provide organisations looking to start adopting an ENG approach with the confidence that they are aligned with what is understood to represent good practice.
Given the lack of guidance on ENG approaches, the paper attempts to navigate some of the key complexities in moving from a BNG approach to an ENG approach. It is not a step-by-step approach but a broader consideration of the concept and good approaches.
Written by two practitioners in the field, Oliver Seville and Penelope Borton, the paper looks back at ENG in the 25 Year Environment Plan as well as current ENG policies and hopes for the revision of the Environmental Improvement Plan.
This good practice insights paper provides a great tool for anybody who wants to understand what ENG means, how to build on BNG to achieve ENG, understand what good practice looks like, and wants some pointers towards useful guidance and frameworks.
It is hoped that Environmental net gain: Good practice insights will support organisations to have the confidence to start developing their own strategies for the uptake and delivery of ENG, taking a bespoke approach within the bounds of the recommendations.
IEMA members can download the guide 'Environmental net gain: Good practice insights' here.
Non-IEMA members can purchase the document from our online shop (under 'Biodiversity Net Gain')
See also our webinar on ENG: https://www.iema.net/watch-again/an-introduction-to-environmental-net-gain/ and our series of biodiversity net gain webinars and paper available on the IEMA website.
Lesley is Policy and Engagement Lead at IEMA with a focus on the rapidly developing area of biodiversity and natural capital. On behalf of IEMA, Lesley also supports and is a member of the Steering Group of the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum. Lesley has worked in environmental sustainability for 15 years and previously delivered programmes and solutions in sustainability for business at the British Standards Institution, including ground breaking standards in biodiversity net gain and natural capital. Lesley has a qualifications in business management (MBA) and climate change management, and mentors environmental students at the University of Westminster.
