Biodiversity Net Gain legislation outlined

Protected species and maintaining native habitats will become even more critical considerations when the Biodiversity Net Gain legislation plans come into force later this year. All planning applications in England from November this year are required to show a minimum 10% net gain requirement with all gains managed for at least 30 years (on-site or […]

More biodiversity details required from businesses

Businesses have been urged to step up the amount of data they share on biodiversity measures and impacts to fall in line with new regulations set to come into force. The Carbon Disclosure Project,  a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts, […]

New bid to boost biodiversity

All new developments will have to improve biodiversity on their site by a minimum of 10% under the new Environment Act in a bid to boost sustainability. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach used to improve a site’s biodiversity value – habitat creation or enhancement after proving they have avoided or mitigated harm. The […]

Report outlines broader UK green recovery

The UK Government has been urged to adopt a broader “green recovery” approach focusing on policies for biodiversity and the circular economy as well as energy and transport transformation. The calls to action have been made by MPs through the Environmental Audit Committee’s (EAC) report, ‘Growing Back Better: Putting Nature and Net-Zero at the Heart […]

Defra unveils multi-million pound Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment fund

The UK Government has unveiled plans for a new £5m Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment to protect the environment as part of a new package of Environment Bill measures. Environment Minister George Eustice said the funding will help improve the data collection of how nature and biodiversity are used within the UK. The initial programme […]

Syntegra Group Q2 2020 – predictions and insights

When lockdown is lifted and new normality dawns – whatever that looks like – Syntegra stands ready to support clients through a broad range of potential scenarios with its innovative ways of working and extensive expertise across sustainable service provision. Of course, our teams remain fully committed to carrying out our services, albeit in revised […]

Building better biodiversity

Broad ranging measures announced as the UK Government unveiled its Environment Bill have been welcomed by the team at Syntegra which is already ahead of the game providing services  which will become mandated under the new legislation. Building developments will increasingly have to be delivered in a way which protects and enhances nature. The bill, […]

Hedgerows warning over biodiversity threat

Landowners have been warned of the threat to biodiversity by mismanaging their hedgerows. Syntegra’s Director of Ecology Services Trish Holden called for rotational cutting of hedgerows and tree lines outside of the bird nesting season to help protect valuable wildlife. She said: ‘Most landowners don’t realise how important hedgerows and tree lines are for bats […]

UKGBC urges business leaders to embrace net zero measures

Syntegra Managing Director Alan King is fortunate to be a member of the UK Green Building Council’s Leaders Network which recently received a very useful update on key developments in the built environment sector and what organisations can focus on in a bid to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. Below are some of the […]

Developers urged to consider impacts on wildlife

Developers have been warned to take more care to protect wildlife habitats when undertaking construction projects following concerns raised over netting being placed over trees and hedges. In a letter to developers, Communities Secretary James Brokenshire MP reminded developers of their legal obligations to consider the impact of their work on wildlife and take action […]

Biodiversity net gain guidance launched

Development plans are set to include detailed calculations on the biodiversity net gain of their projects in a bid to reverse losses of natural habitats from previous construction schemes. Industry associations have teamed up to produce guidance on the scheme first launched by DEFRA to improve provision of natural habitats for species potentially displaced by […]

New guidance on lighting and its effect on bats

New guidance on lighting and its effect on bats has been welcomed by the Syntegra team as it offers advice to clients on sustainable development schemes. The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) has launched the latest practical guidance on considering the impact upon bats when designing lighting schemes. They have worked with the Bat Conservation […]

Launch of Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan

On 11 January, the Prime Minister launched the Government’s long-awaited 25 year plan to improve the environment, setting out ambitious targets for improving air quality, reducing waste, enhancing nature and mitigating and adapting to climate change. The Plan proposes an ‘environmental net gain’ principle for new development, which includes high environmental standards for all new builds, […]

Wales’ One Planet Development Scheme

In July 2010, Wales introduced One Planet Developments; a national planning policy to encourage low environmental impact developments. This is in response to studies showing that, if everyone consumed natural resources at the rate that Wales currently does, it would take 3 planets to support everyone. It has been concluded that Wales must reduce its […]