New guidance released to tackle biodiversity loss across government estate

A new guidance document from the Government Property Agency (GPA) has launched with the aim of tackling biodiversity loss across the government estate.

The GPA's Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Annex (BNRA) details how it will maintain, protect and improve the natural environment across the extensive estate it manages and forms part of the Government Workplace Design Guide.

Dr Miguel Godfrey, head of sustainability at the GPA, said they are using scale and commercial expertise to be a "leading force in best practice for the protection and improvement of the environment during our commercial developments."

He added: "We must safeguard, secure and improve the environment whilst effectively and sustainably, helping to support growth in all parts of the UK.

"As the strategic leaders of sustainability across the government office portfolio we want to promote biodiversity across our estate in all its forms."

The GPA is the largest office property holder in government, and therefore hopes they have an opportunity to improve the environment for the benefit of everyone by playing a part in ceasing the extensive loss of biodiversity in the UK.

The Annex outlines the main actions it will take to maintain compliance with legal requirements, including adherence to the new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mandated planning requirements.

It also details how best practice and innovative approaches will be sought to enable the organisation to become a "flagship agency" in delivering on the Greening Government Commitments.

The Sustainability and Net Zero Annex has also been revised, highlighting how the GPA will continue to deliver buildings that are fit-for-purpose, energy-efficient, and sustainable.

According to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Biodiversity Indicators Report, the UK is seeing significant declines in wildlife.

Out of 24 recognised biodiversity indicators, 14 show long-term decline, including continued deterioration of UK habitats as well as a decline in priority species.