Architects Climate Action Network Seminar: Elevating Biodiversity Net Gain Practices

Director Eleanor recently participated in the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Practice seminar, an engaging online event where experts explored how to effectively implement BNG in practice.

During the seminar, Eleanor shared insights from EDLA’s work on BNG across small, medium, and large strategic scale greenfield projects—highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities each scale presents.

The introduction of mandatory BNG earlier this year is reshaping design practices across the industry, and it’s clear that it’s crucial to actively integrate these requirements into our projects.

The panel also featured industry leaders, including Gary Grant from the Green Infrastructure Consultancy, who discussed innovative green roof designs for biodiversity, and Joanna Asia Milewska from LDA Design, who guided attendees through a Lee Valley Ice Rink project where ice rink scrapings were repurposed as  fresh water source to support habitats for species like water voles.

With BNG now a key requirement for new applications in the UK, it’s an exciting time for the industry as we explore how to not only meet but exceed these standards. The conversation continues, and we look forward to implementing the inspiring design solutions shared during the event.