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Environmental net gain

Helping clients ensure development results have a positive impact

Environmental net gain (ENG) is an approach to development that leaves the environment in a measurably better state than prior to development.

The environmental assessment and management team, in conjunction with several other specialist teams at 海角视频, are developing our service offering in regards to environmental net gain.

In January 2018, the UK Government launched “.” The plan sets out the government’s ambitions over the next 25 years for key natural assets, including air, water, land and wildlife. The plan also highlights the need to improve resource efficiency, decrease waste and pollution, as well as connect people with nature.

To make environmental improvement a reality, the plan seeks to embed an environmental net gain principle for development, with the environment placed at the centre of the design, planning and decision-making.

Currently, there are no timescales for the adoption of environmental net gain as a statutory requirement. However, the plan does pledge to consult on making it mandatory for planning authorities. This consultation will ensure environmental net gains are achieved across local areas, and encourage the development of locally-led strategies to enhance the natural landscape and increase biodiversity.

Since the declaration of a global climate emergency and the growth of environmental awareness, we expect this evolving concept to become a future requirement for urban development projects.

Want to read more about Environmental Net Gain?

海角视频 environmental consultants Helen Lund and Maddie Adas have written an article which explores the concept of ENG, how we can build a better environment and how ENG can be applied to the UK planning system.

Project highlights

A view of people enjoying the park with a view of the surrounding river

Mayfield Regeneration

Manchester, UK

Mayfield is a landmark regeneration project that is transforming a derelict area of central Manchester into a vibrant new community with sustainable ecology at its core. 

海角视频 is working with U+I to transform the former industrial site in the heart of the city into a world-class commercial, retail, entertainment and residential hub.

The development represents a brave new approach to urban design and planning, which actively promotes the health and wellbeing of both people and planet.

A view of a field next to a river in Kent showing environmental net gain

Natural solutions to climate change

Kent, UK

We advised Kent County Council (KCC) on a number of nature-based solutions as a result of them declaring a climate and ecological emergency in 2019.

KCC, which is the most populated county in the UK, faces some unprecedented challenges around the impacts of development, population growth and climate change.

We developed an assessment of nature-based solutions to climate change and conducted a review of existing evidence relating to nature-based solutions in the UK and internationally.