New regulations aim to improve biodiversity in England’s construction sector. But should Denmark also adopt the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scheme? This is currently under exploration by the Planetary Responsibility Foundation and the Green Finance Institute.
The EU and UN are pursuing various goals to foster and protect the planet’s biodiversity. As part of this movement, a scheme called Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was launched in England in February 2024. BNG is among the first substantial steps towards acknowledging and mitigating the significant negative impact that construction and urban development have on nature. This scheme represents progress towards a construction sector that, with new EU reporting requirements, will need to consider biodiversity enhancements in all its projects – not only on construction sites but, over time, through entire supply chains as well.
England Leads the Way – Should Denmark Follow?
Just as neighboring countries are doing, Denmark, too, must consider how best to protect and improve its natural environment. The construction sector, in particular, is relevant here, as it relies heavily on natural resources, including sand, gravel, water, clay, timber, steel, and more. The Planetary Responsibility Foundation (PRF) and the Green Finance Institute are therefore collaborating to investigate the field. Together with advisors, they are examining the challenges and potential of implementing the BNG model in Denmark.
Biodiversity Net Gain
BNG is a model originating in England that requires new construction projects to deliver a 10% improvement in biodiversity. Initially introduced by law in February 2024, it first applied to large property developers and was extended to smaller developers in April 2024. The next development phase is scheduled for late 2025, at which point major national infrastructure projects, such as railways, will also be subject to BNG requirements.
Ensuring a Broad Range of Perspectives
The BNG implementation in England is supported by broad collaboration among authorities, the construction sector, and field experts. In Denmark, key players and stakeholders from the construction and property sectors, as well as political, public sector, and academic representatives, will be invited to provide input on whether BNG would be a suitable approach for Denmark based on insights from England.
Potential opportunities and challenges for implementing the BNG model in Denmark will be discussed, with input sought on both the model itself and its implementation. Additionally, lessons from the years-long BNG development process in England and insights from the first months of implementing the legal requirement are being gathered. This analysis and discussion will cover everything from regulation to organization and financing, ensuring a thorough and relevant debate. The results of this investigation will be published in a report in approximately one month.
About PRF
The Foundation’s mission is to support the restoration and protection of the planet’s natural environments and biodiversity while promoting sustainable development on an international scale. PRF achieves this through mission-driven investments and holistic approaches that make a positive impact on people and nature while generating returns that are reinvested in the Foundation’s work to create lasting change.
The Foundation was established in 2022 by Andreea Kaiser and Ludvig Find, who own and operate the urban and property development company ALFA Development, active in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Malmö, and Stockholm. Each year, ALFA Development transfers a portion of its profits to PRF.
About the Green Finance Institute
The Green Finance Institute (GFI) is an independent, non-profit organization committed to mobilizing capital for green initiatives and a nature-positive economy. GFI advises governments and addresses structural barriers preventing capital from reaching green goals, including regulatory changes, the development of new financial instruments, and mechanisms to mitigate investment risks.
Headquartered in London, GFI has offices worldwide, including in Copenhagen.
Learn more about GFI at www.greenfinanceinstitute.com
