Intermediate $375 14 hrs Certificate 3 learners enrolled Content current as of July 2026

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Developers & Planners

A practitioner course covering the UK's mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement — one of the most significant changes to the English planning system in a generation. Since February 2024 for major developments and April 2024 for small sites, all planning permissions in England must deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain measured using the statutory Biodiversity Metric 4.0. This course provides the technical knowledge that developers, planners, ecologists, and land managers need to comply with the BNG requirement. You will learn how to use the Biodiversity Metric 4.0 calculation tool, understand habitat classification and condition assessment, design on-site and off-site habitat creation and enhancement strategies, navigate the biodiversity credits market as a last resort, secure appropriate planning conditions and obligations, and establish the 30-year monitoring and management framework required for BNG habitat. The course covers the Environment Act 2021 provisions, the Biodiversity Gain Plan requirements, the role of responsible bodies, and the emerging market for biodiversity units and credits.

Member Pricing: $375 $300 (Member 20% off) or $262 (Pro 30% off) · Join Membership

What You'll Learn

  • Explain the legal basis for mandatory BNG under the Environment Act 2021 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), including the 10% minimum gain requirement and exemptions
  • Use the Biodiversity Metric 4.0 to calculate pre-development and post-development biodiversity value, including habitat classification, condition assessment, strategic significance, and temporal multipliers
  • Design on-site habitat creation and enhancement strategies that maximise biodiversity gain while meeting development design requirements and financial constraints
  • Evaluate off-site BNG options including land bank registration, habitat banking, and the purchase of statutory biodiversity credits from Natural England as a last resort
  • Prepare a Biodiversity Gain Plan that meets the statutory requirements for submission with a planning application, including the biodiversity metric calculation and habitat management strategy
  • Advise on planning conditions and Section 106 obligations related to BNG, including the 30-year minimum duration requirement for habitat management and monitoring
  • Establish monitoring and reporting frameworks for BNG habitat that satisfy responsible body requirements over the 30-year management period
Instructor
RSustain Academy Faculty

Delivery & Pricing

Format
Online Self-Paced
Price
$375
✅ 14-hour comprehensive programme
✅ Certificate on completion
✅ 27 in-course knowledge checks
Preview available after enrollment
Members save up to 30%
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RSustain Academy — Australia & NZ Faculty

Programme content developed by practitioners experienced in AASB sustainability standards, NZ XRB climate disclosures, and APAC ESG governance frameworks.

AASB S1/S2 specialistsNZ climate disclosure practitionersAPAC ESG governance advisors

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this course?
This 14-hour programme covers: Explain the legal basis for mandatory BNG under the Environment Act 2021 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), including the 10% minimum gain requirement and exemptions; Use the Biodiversity Metric 4.0 to calculate pre-development and post-development biodiversity value, including habitat classification, condition assessment, strategic significance, and temporal multipliers; Design on-site habitat creation and enhancement strategies that maximise biodiversity gain while meeting development design requirements and financial constraints; Evaluate off-site BNG options including land bank registration, habitat banking, and the purchase of statutory biodiversity credits from Natural England as a last resort.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for Property developers and housebuilders navigating mandatory BNG requirements for planning applications, Planning officers and local authority ecologists assessing BNG compliance in development proposals, Ecological consultants preparing biodiversity metric calculations and gain plans for clients, Land managers and landowners exploring off-site BNG delivery and habitat banking opportunities.
Are there any prerequisites?
Basic understanding of the English planning system (planning applications, conditions, Section 106), No prior ecological knowledge required — habitat classification is taught from first principles
How is the course delivered?
Online self-paced — study anytime, anywhere
Do I get a certificate?
Yes — an RSustain Academy certificate is issued on completion
How long do I have access?
You receive access to all course materials from the moment you enrol. Access duration depends on your enrolment type.