There is an interdependency between nature, people and society. A healthy biosphere underpins it all. The effects of biodiversity loss are as profound on our society and economy, as those of climate change.

Biodiversity and habitat loss has an adverse effect on the benefits that humanity receives from the natural environment such as flood risk reduction, food, water provision, energy production. The UK has seen declines in around 30% of these benefits in the past 60 years. Globally, the loss of benefits is estimated to cost society more than $2.7 trillion annually.

Organisations that will thrive in the 21st century will be those that recognise and internalise the value of nature. They will recognise that a healthy biosphere supports their entire value chain and can help them to achieve wider sustainability ambitions.

Multidisciplinary thinking across sectors

As a multidisciplinary consultancy, we provide clients with Future Ready strategies and solutions that address their broader objectives across the built and natural environment. Our capabilities in biodiversity and natural capital help to enhance ecological value from initial conception and approvals, through detailed design to construction, development and ongoing operations, as well as site closure, rehabilitation and ongoing management.

We work with clients in a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure (transportation, energy, water), development (real estate, construction, planning), government, financial institutions (private equity, international financing corporations, development banks), industry, conservation authorities as well as not-for-profit organisations.

Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. BNG is expected to become a mandatory part of the planning process across the UK. In England this is expected to be following the royal ascent of the Environment Bill in 2021, and in law by 2023 or 2024. WSP has helped develop industry, UK and international standards, metrics, guidelines and tools related to BNG and we deliver assessments and training for clients. This includes working with Natural England to develop a toolkit for developers as well as developing our own toolkit for clients.