How it works
The BwN benchmark has been developed to support built environment professionals to deliver high-quality green infrastructure and draws together policy and practice guidance related to health and wellbeing, sustainable water management, and biodiversity.
Use of the BwN Standards Framework can assist with decision making relating to each stage of the development process from early-stage design and feasibility, through to place-keeping; and can be used for residential, commercial and infrastructure developments.
Professionals encouraged to use Building with Nature include planners, landscape architects, ecologists, engineers, construction site managers, transport planners, urban designers, and other and built environment professionals involved in the design, implementation, construction, and long-term management and maintenance of green infrastructure.
How to start
Download and use the Standards
If you want to create a high-quality place for people and wildlife, for the best results, we recommend using BwN Standards as early in the design process as possible. The first step is to download a copy of the BwN Standards Framework. Use this to reflect on the task you are undertaking, including purchasing or assembling land for development, master-planning, detailed design, implementation, or management and maintenance of green infrastructure. You can also support your client in seeking recognition for creating great places for people and wildlife by applying for a BwN Award.
Suggest applying for a BwN Award to your client
If you want to encourage your client to consider applying for a BwN Award, you can sell the benefits of a BwN Award to your client. BwN has been used on development the length and breadth of the UK, and the benefits of using the BwN Standards and achieving a BwN Award include:
· Reduces planning uncertainty, including readiness for biodiversity net gain
· Provides a robust, evidence-based set of holistic design principles
· Delivers Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility
· Supports Comms, Marketing and Sales
You can download a copy of the ‘BwN Benefits for Developers’ to read more about how BwN offers these benefits.
Become a BwN Approved Assessor
Complete our 3-day training course, online or in person, and join the national BwN Approved Assessor network. You can find more details about eligibility, content, and course fees BwN Assessor training.
Once you complete your Approved Assessor training, you can sell your assessment services directly to developer clients who wish to apply for a BwN Award. The BwN Assessment fee is paid directly to the Approved Assessor, and the BwN Audit fee is paid to BwN.
You may also wish to become an Approved Assessor to underpin and add value to your existing consultancy services, as a clear qualification of industry good practice.
For further information on the benefits for developers of BwN accreditation please see our information sheet “BwN Accreditation: Benefits to developers”.
