Resources · Standard
Excellence in Biodiversity Net Gain
XNatura combines over 10 years of ecological experience with AI satellite technology, the only platform integrating BNG assessment and natural capital estimation in a single solution, with 500+ completed projects and 10,000+ site units analyzed.
Framework
How does XNatura work?
We are a team augmented by AI and a unique proprietary platform for calculating ecological reports.
01Analysis and Baseline Assessment
Preliminary ecological assessment and calculation of pre-development biodiversity value. Our AI reduces timelines, providing a feasibility report with strategic options.
02Field Surveys
If the AI analysis requires it, our qualified ecologists (MCIEEM/CEcol) conduct specific on-site surveys to validate data and gather detailed information.
03Strategic BNG Plan
We optimize the project for 10%+, minimizing costs. We prepare the complete Biodiversity Gain Plan (BGP), metric calculations, and legal documentation.
04Monitoring
Satellite monitoring and annual compliance reports. We ensure adaptive management and traceability of results for 30 years, replacing costly site visits.
Business case
From obligation to strategic value
Don't just limit yourself to BNG compliance. Use it to actively enhance your nature positioning and maximize the value of your real estate projects.
- 01
TNFD and EU Taxonomy Alignment
BNG metrics directly feed into TNFD's location-specific disclosures. 'Do No Significant Harm' (DNSH) criteria of the EU Taxonomy met, and Principal Adverse Impact (PAI) indicators of SFDR addressed.
- 02
Territorial Value
A building's ability to position itself as an icon is no longer just architectural: it depends on how it integrates with and reacts to its natural context, hence a premium value (houses +5-7% with biodiversity) and an increase in land value.
- 03
Climate Resilience and Risk Mitigation
Nature-based solutions reduce flood risk, urban cooling up to 4°C, and supply chain resilience through ecosystem services. Reducing physical climate risk improves insurance terms.
Applicability
Who Biodiversity Net Gain is for
Every planning permission in England now needs a measurable biodiversity outcome. XNatura is the ideal partner for developers, landowners, and Local Planning Authorities (LPAs).
Developers
Every project needs at least a +10% increase in biodiversity to secure planning permission: small sites from £850, major developments (10+ units) £2,000-£10,000 for a full assessment.Landowners
When a site can't reach 10% on its own, the DEFRA hierarchy allows the shortfall to move off-site: a Habitat Bank supplies the units a developer's site is missing.Local Planning Authorities (LPAs)
Automatic BNG scoring and 30-year digital monitoring give planning teams an auditable, traceable record for every consented site, without repeated costly site visits.
Compliance workflow
The BNG Hierarchy: Strategic Optimization
The DEFRA hierarchy is complex (spatial risks, LNRS bonuses). Our AI optimizes it to ensure compliance at the best outcome: our AI identifies every on-site opportunity (green roofs, SuDS, hedgerows) to reach 10% on-site (the most economical and valuable approach) before falling back to an off-site Habitat Bank or, last, costly statutory credits.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does BNG cost for my specific project?
Small sites (1-9 units): £850 for the initial assessment using the Simplified Small Sites Metric (SSM). Major developments (10+ units): £2,000-£10,000 for a full assessment. Off-site units: £26,700-£32,800 per unit (15.82% surcharge in the South). Statutory credits: £42,000-£650,000 (deliberately expensive). We offer an instant quote calculator based on site size, habitat type, and location: total transparency, no hidden costs.
Downloads
Example reports and guides
Real deliverables, anonymised, and the guides our reporting team wrote for those who have to deliver. Pick one, leave your details and download the PDF straight away.
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