Henry Mills, CEO of Burlingtons Biodiversity Solutions, discusses the challenges facing sustainability and biodiversity net gain, as well as what is in store for these areas in the near future.
Henry’s Q&A piece was published in eprivateclient, 7 February 2025.
Henry discussed the importance of sustainability, remarking:
“Sustainability is critical because, as we have modernised and industrialised, it is now essential to evolve and harmonise our ability to live and work within the planet’s natural limits rather than against them. The construction and real estate industries have an immense opportunity to not only reduce their environmental impact but also to create spaces that enhance biodiversity, community well-being, and overall environmental health.
“By integrating sustainable practices, we can design and build beautiful structures that respect the environment while improving on some of the more utilitarian and less inspiring modern architecture currently in existence. Sustainability also ensures the longevity of developments, making them adaptable to future needs and challenges, while aligning with public expectations for responsible environmental stewardship.”
When asked how the sustainability landscape may change in the near future, he said:
“The sustainability landscape in the UK is likely to undergo significant shifts in the next 12 months due to a combination of regulatory changes, technological advancements, and growing public awareness. Additionally, the ongoing focus on carbon reduction targets, such as the UK’s commitment to net-zero by 2050, will likely accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies, green building materials, and carbon accounting practices. Public demand for transparency and accountability from businesses on environmental issues is also expected to grow, encouraging more robust sustainability reporting and green certifications.”
When asked to outline some key challenges facing sustainability, Henry added:
“A significant challenge lies in the tax and policy landscape, which can hinder investment in sustainability initiatives. For example, uncertainty surrounding proposed taxes on biodiversity credits and inheritance tax policies for farmers could deter landowners and developers from committing to long-term biodiversity projects. Without clear and supportive financial frameworks, many stakeholders may be reluctant to fully engage with sustainability efforts.
“The BNG sector, being relatively new, is also undergoing natural growing pains. These include the absence of finalised standardised methodologies for measuring and monitoring biodiversity gains, leading to inconsistencies in implementation across local authorities. Also, public awareness of the benefits of BNG remains limited, which can further slow adoption and support. Additionally, logistical challenges such as securing sufficient land for habitat creation and addressing the skills gap in ecology and environmental consultancy are key hurdles that need to be overcome for the sector to thrive.”
