National Grid Launches Initiative to Boost Biodiversity and Community Benefits

Delivering new transmission projects presents an opportunity not only to upgrade infrastructure but to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity and support local communities. 

National Grid will be looking for qualified suppliers to help it deliver environmental commitments, including achieving a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on all new projects requiring planning permission.

Marine restoration and enhancement will also be supported during the delivery of offshore subsea cable projects. The Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market (QUDM) will also enable further investment in projects that deliver climate contributions and broader benefits.

The market will enable the delivery of off-site BNG through expert partners, who will manage and monitor long-term projects, contributing to wider environmental and societal benefits. Securing at least 30 years of habitat management will ensure lasting benefits for communities and the environment.

Launching the QUDM is an important step in how National Grid collaborates with partners to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes alongside its infrastructure projects, said Kat Stanhope, Strategic BNG Manager at National Grid.

"As we continue to invest in upgrading and expanding our networks, we have a significant opportunity to deliver biodiversity net gain, support nature recovery, and create wider benefits for communities," Stanhope said. "The QUDM allows us to work with a diverse range of high-integrity organizations who share our ambition, ensuring we can access high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the scale of the challenge ahead.”

National Grid will prioritize the provision of BNG in areas identified in the Local Nature Recovery Strategies to ensure we support nature with targeted, coordinated action, in line with plans developed by people who know and understand the area. The 10% BNG means that the development will leave habitats in a measurably better condition than before. 

Through the market, National Grid is seeking partners who can deliver: 

• offsite biodiversity gains, including formal biodiversity units (BNG) 

• broader nature-based solutions supporting ecosystem recovery and community benefits 

• marine restoration and enhancement solutions and additional social benefits 

• high-quality carbon credits and climate contributions 

Together, these solutions will help ensure National Grid’s projects deliver lasting benefits for nature, climate and local communities. 

 Organizations interested in joining the QUDM can find further information and details on how to apply via the government’s Find a Tender service.