How Green Roofs Support Biodiversity Net Gain in the UK
What Is Biodiversity Net Gain — And How Can Green Roofing Help?
As the UK moves toward a more sustainable built environment, biodiversity net gain (BNG) has become a key requirement in planning and development. But what exactly is it, and how can something like a modular green roof help you meet these new environmental standards?
Let’s break it down.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity net gain is a planning policy approach that ensures new developments improve biodiversity, rather than just minimizing harm. Since 2024, all major UK developments are legally required to deliver a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity, either through on-site enhancements or, where that’s not possible, via off-site habitat creation or biodiversity credits.
This affects housebuilders, local authorities, and commercial developers alike.
To meet BNG requirements, planners often look to practical green infrastructure like green roofs, wildlife corridors, native planting, and ponds. If space is limited at ground level, rooftops offer an ideal alternative — and that’s where sedum roof trays come in.
Why is Urban Biodiversity Under Threat?
Modern urban development can significantly impact local ecosystems. New buildings often lead to habitat destruction, fragmentation of wildlife corridors, and a sharp drop in pollinators and insects vital to ecological balance.
The spread of hard, impermeable surfaces—like tarmac and concrete—also causes flooding, disrupts soil ecosystems, and adds to the urban heat island effect. In this context, even small patches of green can make a big difference.
How Can a Modular Green Roof Support Biodiversity?
Installing a green roofing system is one of the most effective ways to contribute to biodiversity net gain—especially when space is limited.
Our pre-grown, modular green roof trays are filled with a rich mix of sedum plants, which are drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and visually attractive all year round. These green roof systems not only help bees and butterflies thrive in urban settings but also provide additional ecosystem benefits:
Stormwater management – Green roofs absorb rainwater, easing pressure on drains.
Urban cooling – A living roof helps regulate temperature, reducing the heat island effect.
Air purification – Plants improve air quality by filtering particulates and pollutants.
Aesthetic value – A well-designed green roof adds natural beauty to any building.
Why Our Sedum Roof Trays Are Ideal for BNG
To make an environmental difference, BNG measures need to be scalable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. Our sedum green roof trays offer exactly that.
Quick installation – Our green roof trays are modular and click into place easily, with no specialist training required.
Durable and reusable – The rigid plastic structure prevents soil erosion and allows for reuse and easy maintenance.
Pollinator-friendly – Our diverse sedum mix attracts a wide range of beneficial insects.
Designed for UK buildings – Whether you have a flat extension, garden shed, or commercial roof, our system is built for the UK climate and architecture.
Final Thoughts
As BNG becomes an integral part of planning policy, solutions like green roofs are more important than ever. A living roof isn’t just about sustainability—it’s about meeting regulations, boosting biodiversity, and creating better urban environments.
If you're looking for a simple, effective way to meet biodiversity net gain requirements, our sedum roof trays could be the perfect fit. Quick to install, rich in biodiversity, and designed to last—this is green infrastructure that works.
