Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
New guidance released to tackle biodiversity loss across government estate
A new guidance document from the Government Property Agency (GPA) has launched with the aim of tackling biodiversity loss across the government estate.
The GPA's Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Annex (BNRA) details how it will maintain, protect and improve the natural environment across the extensive estate it manages and forms part of the Government Workplace Design Guide.
Dr Miguel Godfrey, head of sustainability at the GPA, said they are using scale and commercial expertise to be a "leading force in best practice for the protection and improvement of the environment during our commercial developments."
He added: "We must safeguard, secure and improve the environment whilst effectively and sustainably, helping to support growth in all parts of the UK.
"As the strategic leaders of sustainability across the government office portfolio we want to promote biodiversity across our estate in all its forms."
The GPA is the largest office property holder in government, and therefore hopes they have an opportunity to improve the environment for the benefit of everyone by playing a part in ceasing the extensive loss of biodiversity in the UK.
The Annex outlines the main actions it will take to maintain compliance with legal requirements, including adherence to the new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) mandated planning requirements.
It also details how best practice and innovative approaches will be sought to enable the organisation to become a "flagship agency" in delivering on the Greening Government Commitments.
The Sustainability and Net Zero Annex has also been revised, highlighting how the GPA will continue to deliver buildings that are fit-for-purpose, energy-efficient, and sustainable.
According to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Biodiversity Indicators Report, the UK is seeing significant declines in wildlife.
Out of 24 recognised biodiversity indicators, 14 show long-term decline, including continued deterioration of UK habitats as well as a decline in priority species.
Latest News
26/04/2024 - 12:12
New planning powers come into effect today giving local councils more tools to hold rogue developers to account as part of the government’s Levelling-up and Regeneration Act.
26/04/2024 - 11:13
Sport England has published a report which reveals a long-term increase in activity levels among adults, but also highlights further action is need
25/04/2024 - 12:28
The Welsh government will work with councils to set out a three-phase plan to implement a 20mph limit.
25/04/2024 - 11:56
£11 million of grant funding has been confirmed for public sector bodies in Scotland.
25/04/2024 - 10:32
The Labour Party has announced that it would renationalise most passenger rail services within five years.
Company Focus
Located in Bromley, Japanese Knotweed Eradication Ltd has been providing solutions in the treatment and removal of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) for over a decade. During this time we have mastered a repertoire of methods, from herbicidal treatments to landscaping solutions, tailored to address the unique challenges our clients face with this pervasive weed.
Event Diary
UKREiiF has quickly become a must-attend in the industry calendar for Government departments and local authorities.
The multi-award-winning UK Construction Week (UKCW), is the UK’s biggest trade event for the built environment that connects the whole supply chain to be the catalyst for growth and positive change in the industry.
Supplier Profiles
At GeoEnergy Design, we're on a mission to disrupt the traditional way heating and cooling ha
Latest Features
Professor Harith Alani, director of the Knowledge Management Institute at the Open University explains how AI can be used for good and bad.
Alex Lawrence, head of health & social care, techUK sets out techUK’s Five Point Plan for CareTech.
