• Green tech start-up BNGx has today launched a groundbreaking platform enabling developers to purchase Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units in minutes, all fully registered with Natural England.
  • The exchange streamlines the process for developers and landowners, offering tailored off-site BNG unit packages and nationwide access to trusted providers like Nattergal, Iford, and BioGains.
  • By automating documentation, execution, and processing, the platform saves significant time, effort, and costs for all parties involved.

(London, 28 November 2024): Green tech start-up BNGx has today unveiled the world’s first fully digital marketplace in BNG units.

The first-of-its-kind exchange offers an end-to-end solution for the sale and purchase of off-site BNG units using advanced coding to simplify and streamline the process, and documentation drafted by the leading global firm DLA Piper.

For developers, BNGx’s matching algorithm finds the optimal package of off-site units for a site enabling the buyer to satisfy their BNG obligations in the most efficient manner possible. The developer simply uploads their metric file to the exchange, and the platform runs the search, makes the match, and processes the transaction. Once purchased, off-site units are automatically added to a developer’s metric file ready to submit to the Local Planning Authority. 

For landowners, the exchange makes their units available to a nationwide market of developers, matching units to sites where they offer the buyer an optimal outcome. Sales are documented, executed, and processed automatically, and portfolio records are updated in real-time.   

BNG units created by Nattergal, Iford and BioGains are already available on the exchange, enabling developers to purchase units from trusted habitat bank providers.

Launching just nine months after the UK’s mandatory biodiversity laws took effect in February 2024, BNGx is poised to revolutionise the way BNG compliance is achieved.

Andrew Hicks, CEO and Co-Founder of BNGx, said: 

“BNGx is the simple solution for buying and selling registered BNG units. We help developers quickly find and purchase the right package of units for their sites and enable landowners to make their units available to buyers across the country – and we document, execute, and process the transaction in minutes. By automating the process, we remove the hassle and complexity, freeing up developers to focus on building the homes our country needs and empowering landowners to enhance natural habitats.”

Josie Cadwallader-Hughes, Sustainability Director at Thakeham, said:

“After the government’s clear commitment to unlocking the delivery of new homes across the country, there is an emboldened demand for housebuilders to meet their obligations without compromising on at least 10% biodiversity net gain. The efficiency of BNGx provides developers and planners with the reassurance they need to move forward confidently with applications.”

Archie Struthers, CEO Nattergal, said

“Nattergal is very pleased to be collaborating with BNGx who we see as bringing an innovative scalable solution that allows both large and smaller volume buyers of BNG units to contribute to our landscape scale nature restoration projects.”

Notes to Editors

Nattergal

Nattergal was established to become a world-leading Nature restoration company and provide vital benefits for society and sustainable financial returns. We will buy, lease, or manage large areas of ecologically degraded land and seascapes across the UK & Europe to recover biodiversity and bring about functioning natural processes. This restoration of degraded ecosystems creates natural capital including carbon capture, biodiversity, and nutrients. Our purpose is to make Nature an investible asset class, and to mobilise the private sector into action. Visit https://www.nattergal.co.uk/boothby-wildland to discover more.   

Iford Estate

Iford Estate is one of the leading providers of off-site BNG units, which is providing funding to help enable an 800ha nature recovery project.  Located in the South Downs National Park the Iford Biodiversity Project aims to restore habitat across large areas of the farm, with the first phase being the first in the country to “go live” in July 2023.  Visit https://www.ifordbiodiversityproject.co.uk to discover more.

BioGains

The first habitat bank provider to secure a site on the national register with their Exeter habitat bank. With a second bank due on the register imminently and multiple more due in Q1 of 2025, BioGains are well placed to establish themselves as a key player in the emerging BNG market. Founded by ecologist Jon Garner and chartered surveyor Andrew Rowe, BioGains have a team of 40 ecologists and land management operatives to call on in the pursuit of designing and delivering best in case habitat banks. Visit www.biodiversity-netgain.co.uk to discover more.

Thakeham

Established in 2003 and based in West Sussex, Thakeham delivers sustainable homes and strong communities, providing private residential developments, high-quality, tenure-blind affordable homes and open spaces to infrastructure, facilities and strategic land services.

Visit www.thakeham.com to discover more.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. Every day we help trailblazing organizations seize business opportunities and successfully manage growth and change at speed. Through our pro bono work and community investment around the world, we help create a more just and sustainable future.

Visit dlapiper.com to discover more.