Biodiversity Net Gain
Introducing our Biodiversity Net Gain Framework for U.S. solar development
Climate change and biological diversity (biodiversity) loss are two of the world’s most pressing crises. As part of our Responsible Solar approach, we at Lightsource bp are addressing both of these urgent issues for a more sustainable future.
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. Since the start, Lightsource bp has sought to foster biodiversity and create habitat at our solar farms in the United States. In 2022, Lightsource bp formally announced our aim to deliver biodiversity net gain on our operational assets worldwide, measured 5+ years post construction.
We’ve committed to developing a biodiversity management plan for all Lightsource bp developed projects from 2023 onward. At a minimum, biodiversity management plans (BMPs) will include:
- A description and evaluation of key ecological features on and adjacent to each site, including key habitats and species
- Measures to avoid and mitigate impacts on biodiversity during construction
- Habitat restoration and creation proposals and the actions needed to deliver them
- A calculation of the biodiversity net gain (BNG) expected based on the project baseline, impacts and habitat scheme designs
- A management and monitoring regime
In the United States, we’ve released a regional-specific framework that details our specific methodology for implementing our global goals, locally across America. We’ll be measuring biodiversity net gain at our Lightsource bp owned assets using two methods – one applied globally and one specific to the U.S.
Biodiversity Net Gain Framework
Please download the PDF to explore interactive graphics with Adobe Acrobat
See our Biodiversity Net Gain approach in action!
07 Feb, 2023
Solar farm, safe haven: Monarch butterflies to find crucial habitat at Conway Solar
Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership
16 May, 2023
Supporting sheep and local biodiversity at Elm Branch and Briar Creek solar farms
Agrivoltaics in Texas
13 Apr, 2023
Researching the benefits of pollinator conservation at Bellflower Solar
Habitat enhancement in Indiana
31 Jul, 2023
Habitat creation and preservation at Prairie Ronde Solar
Three ways we're boosting biodiversity
06 Aug, 2022
Solar farm, living laboratory: Lightsource bp’s Nittany solar projects in Pennsylvania
Learn about research at our sites
11 Jun, 2024
Preserving habitat and integrating agriculture at Impact Solar, three years in
Habitat enhancement & agrivoltaics in Texas