Working with the University of Strathclyde, COWI are investigating the possibility of using environmental DNA (eDNA) to measure effects on the natural environment
As a result of this collaboration, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) could be measured through the genetic material naturally shed by organisms.
If successful, this could provide a faster and more accurate and cost-effective way to meet requirements which are due to become mandatory next year.
The method is being tested at railway sites
The method can detect protected species in an area that may be missed by standard walkover surveys, while also providing a more comprehensive picture of ecosystem health.
This is done by analysing soil samples for the DNA of plants, animals, and microbes.
The intention of BNG requirements is to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before construction work. The requirements are already mandatory for both major developments and minor sites, and by May next year, they will be mandatory for nationally significant infrastructure.
Andy Sloan, executive vice president of COWI UK & International, said: “At COWI, we’ve set a clear direction to focus exclusively on projects that drive sustainability, with biodiversity as a key pillar. This partnership with the University of Strathclyde is a practical step in realising that ambition, applying innovative tools like eDNA to improve how we assess and protect nature in infrastructure delivery.
“We see this not just as a technical trial, but as a signal of what’s next – smarter, faster and more nature-positive infrastructure that aligns with our clients’ net-zero and Biodiversity Net Gain goals. It’s about embedding ecological intelligence into engineering practice, and helping set a new standard for sustainable development across the UK and beyond.”
Avoiding requirements
Biodiversity Net Gain has been a hot topic in the UK as of late, as research by TerraQuest in February this year found that the majority of projects find a way to side-step the requirements.
This especially happens at the application stage, as TerraQuest examined data from Planning Portal applicants and found that in a month, 75% of applicants claim that BNG does not apply to their project.
Instead, the projects commonly claimed ‘de minimis’ (“too trivial or minor”), ‘self-build and custom development’, or ‘retrospective planning permission.’
Between March and September 2024, there 1,891 more exemptions than non-exemptions to BNG.
Nicholas White, principal adviser for net gain at Natural England, said: “Small-to-medium sites which are making a BNG application for the first time can learn from larger developers that are already familiar with the regulations. Information sharing and collaboration will be key in navigating BNG at this early stage and, by providing clarification on what these exemptions mean, Planning Portal has already positioned itself as one of the many helpful resources for SMEs getting to grips with this new regulation.
“I think overall the policy is working, but inevitably there will be opportunities to fine-tune the legislation both now and in the future. There will, of course, be instances where applicants get it wrong, but there will also be plenty of success stories first time around and having this early data out in the world will be a vital part of the tweaking process moving forward.”
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