The Urban Greening Factor and Biodiversity Net Gain
The Urban Greening Factor Policy
The London Plan includes a key policy project called the Urban Greening Factor. According to Landscape Institute’s (LI) Head of Policy and Influence, Aaron Burton, its implementation will necessitate the cooperation of landscape professionals much earlier in the design and planning process.
The Urban Greening Factor is a major policy effort being implemented as part of the London Plan that will have an impact on the activities of LI members.
To achieve this new policy requirement, landscaping specialists must be involved earlier in the design and planning process.
The Urban Greening Factor (UGF) is a regional planning instrument used to assess the quality and quantity of urban greening on development sites that might benefit biodiversity by adding new habitat.
By providing a factor score for different surface cover types, the urban green factor allows significant developments to calculate and explain how urban greening has been incorporated as a key feature of site and building design.
What is Biodiversity Net-Gain?
The term “biodiversity net gain” (BNG) refers to the process of boosting the overall biodiversity value of a development site. The term “net gain” refers to the fact that the development site increases rather than decreases the value of the property. Biodiversity Net-Gain can be accomplished both onsite and offsite, depending on the circumstances.
Biodiversity Net Gain is a development, land management, and marine management strategy that leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than before the development.
Biodiversity Netgain is a development strategy that leaves biodiversity in better shape than before.
Where a development has an impact on biodiversity, it encourages developers to provide an increase in appropriate natural habitat and ecological features above and beyond what is being affected, in the hope that the current loss of biodiversity due to development can be halted and ecological networks restored.
How do these policies benefit us economically, socially, and environmentally?
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a way to contribute to the recovery of nature while developing land. It is making sure the habitat for wildlife is in a better state than it was before development.
These policies benefit us by:
- improving current habitats
- developing new habitats
- aiding the restoration of nature
- Wildlife can adapt to climate change by helping to create and link habitats where species can flourish
- assisting to deliver the goals for nature outlined in local nature recovery programs or other strategic plans and contributing to “more, bigger, better, and joining up” green and blue networks.
- building new or upgrading existing greenspaces and bringing nature to our doorstep, we can improve our health and wellbeing
- enhancing the appeal of locations to live and work, thereby aiding in place-making.
- improving the resilience of our towns, cities, beaches, and infrastructure by funding investment in green infrastructure that is either new or already exists. Our ability to adapt to climate change has improved, and it also advances business and governmental Net Zero goals.
- helping to develop greener communities that are more desirable locations for present and future occupants to live, work, and conduct business.
- preserving and restoring nature with the goal of reducing climate change. For instance, increased woodland development will aid in removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
How do these policies tie into “The London Plan G5 and G6”?
The Greater London Authority publishes the London Plan, which was created by the Mayor of London and serves as the legislative spatial development strategy for the Greater London region in the United Kingdom.
On February 10, 2004, the regional planning document was released for the first time in its entirety.
The London Plan lays forth a comprehensive framework for the economic, environmental, transportation, and social growth of London during the following 20 to 25 years.
It attempts to solve London’s core problems, namely how to accommodate a growing population and keep the city competitive and appealing on a global scale.
Policy G5 of this plan is urban greening, while policy G6 is biodiversity and access to nature.
Major construction projects should include urban greening as a core component of site and building design and incorporate elements like high-quality landscaping (including trees), green roofs, green walls, and nature-based sustainable drainage to further London’s greening.
In contrast to policy G6, which is concerned with maintaining and developing the natural habitats and ecosystems in the area, policy G5 strives to increase the number of green spaces in urban areas.
By giving locals access to nature and encouraging a more sustainable and environmentally friendly environment, these policies seek to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Authors: Oluwasemilore Olaitan, Anish Rajani