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Clarion Housing Group has announced it will aim for a measurable biodiversity net gain of 20% for all new development projects. 

The target, which is significantly above the 10% mandatory threshold, was announced as part of the 125,000-home housing association鈥檚 鈥楴ature Recovery Strategy鈥�. 

For existing neighbourhoods, Clarion will target a 10% voluntary BNG uplift on up to five communities a year. 

The requirement for developers to prove biodiversity improvements was established by the Environment Act 2021 but only brought into force earlier this year. 

Its roll-out was , which said the government launched the scheme with 鈥渞isks to its effectiveness鈥�. 

Clarion鈥檚 nature strategy also includes initiatives designed to provide increased access to high-quality green spaces for residents, as well as the integration of nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience around its properties. 

鈥淥ur new Nature Recovery strategy is a comprehensive approach to enhancing biodiversity, improving community well-being, and building climate resilience across our developments and existing neighbourhoods,鈥� said Miles Lewis, director of sustainability at Clarion Housing Group 

>> See also: Will the government鈥檚 biodiversity plans prove a net gain for the housebuilding sector?

According to surveys carried out by Clarion, 70% of its residents say climate change is important to them personally, 75% of those surveyed showed positive attitudes towards nature recovery. 

The main concerns among residents around any approach to nature recovery are linked to maintenance (70%) and potential messiness (55%). 

Concerns were also raised about the financial implications of green space improvements. 

According to a recent unaudited trading update, Clarion鈥檚 new housing completions in 2023/24 fell 24% year-on-year as it took a more 鈥渃autious鈥� approach to development鈥�. 

Earlier this month, the group announced an 鈥渁mbitious鈥� restructuring of the housing association to focus on improving housing management and customer service.