BSI publishes new standards for biodiversity preservation

The British Standards Institute (BSI) has released new guidance to help companies design and implement biodiversity preservation measures.

The guidelines include one standard (ISO 17620) outlining the process for designing and implementing biodiversity net gain in construction and real estate development projects under the UK mandate of the same name, and a more general standard (ISO 17298) to help organisations support biodiversity goals.

Consolidated standard for Biodiversity Net Gain

Published by BSI as the UK’s national standards body, ISO 17620 consolidates previous biodiversity net gain frameworks into a clear process for designing and implementing the scheme in projects of any size or type. While it is a global standard, it is aimed particularly at UK developers, who have been required to deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain – ie, leaving nature in a measurably better state after development – for any new project since April.

By providing requirements at every project stage from preparation and design to implementation, maintenance, and monitoring, ISO 17620 fosters consistency, integrity, and accountability in biodiversity outcomes, supporting developers, land managers, auditors, conservation organisations and investors. 

This is also expected to support the development of emerging nature and biodiversity credit markets.

Biodiversity in corporate strategies

In parallel, BSI’s ISO 17298 standard aims to help organisations of all sectors, sizes and geographies embed biodiversity considerations into their strategic planning and operations, and is designed to support compliance with global biodiversity goals such as the Global Biodiversity Framework. 

David Fatscher, Head of Standards Development, BSI, said “Biodiversity loss is a significant global challenge and one that all of us across society have a responsibility to act on, from developers to organisations in general. The launch of these two standards marks a pivotal step forward in global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, as they provide practical, science-based frameworks designed to empower biodiversity preservation.

“By fostering transparency, consistency, and accountability, the hope is that these standards can not only help protect the natural world but also unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. As biodiversity continues to face unprecedented threats, these tools have the potential to support governments, businesses, and communities striving to create a nature-positive future."

Global biodiversity is under increasing threat due to human activities, and BSI estimates that global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% to 73% since 1970.

Tom Butterworth, Nature Lead at Arup, added: "The introduction of ISO 17298 and ISO 17620 paves the way forward in how organisations approach biodiversity across the globe. For various industry sectors, these standards provide the clarity and structure needed to take action, and embed nature into strategy, operations and development.”