New Esri UK partner creates biodiversity net gain assessment tool

The software has been designed to simplify the BNG assessment processes by streamlining the workflow from field data collection to in-office assessment (Photo: Temple)

The first application to be launched as a result of this partnership is the UKHab and BNG Survey App, which assists AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) organizations in making informed decisions on development plans that follow the new biodiversity net gain (BNG) legislation.

This legislation came into effect in January 2024 and requires all new major construction projects to achieve a BNG of at least 110%.

The software has been designed to simplify the BNG assessment processes by streamlining the workflow from field data collection to in-office assessment and providing a real-time BNG score.

The new app also enables seamless use of existing UKHab surveys and conversion to BNG surveys. This means that many users can take advantage of their current ecological processes and comply with the new legislation faster and more cost-effectively.

“The new partnership has allowed us to create a best-in-class solution to meet the increasing demand for BNG solutions and improve how users carry out biodiversity surveys,” said Mark Skelton, CEO at Temple.

“By combining our vast experience in ecology, environmental impact assessments and wider scientific understanding with established Esri tools, new digital workflows mean users can now manage a project’s impact on the landscape and comply with the new law in a highly accurate and efficient way.”

The new tool will soon have extra features like scenario modelling, which will make it easier to compare potential designs and quantify financial differences. Additionally, there are plans to create specific applications for different sectors involved in BNG, such as rural landowners, local government planning authorities, and land developers.