BNG for Gentoo Homes’ new sustainable housing
Environment Bank helped Gentoo Homes fulfil BNG requirements on a new sustainable housing development, spanning almost thirty acres in the suburbs of Sunderland. When Gentoo Homes were unable to meet BNG requirements entirely on-site, we were happy to supply off-site Biodiversity Units from our local Heighington Habitat Bank.
About the development project
Gentoo Homes has built innovative, sustainable residential developments in the northeast for more than two decades. In 2024, they were planning to covert a stretch of brownfield on the edge of Sunderland into almost 300 brand new homes of various shapes and sizes.
These houses would be built with a keen focus on sustainability, including air source heat pumps, solar panelling, enhanced insulation, and electric car charging points. More to that, Gentoo Homes has planned for a central green space to provide a natural outdoor area for the residents to enjoy.
In order to complete their BNG requirement for this ambitious build, the developer sought to find an off-site solution within close reach of the site. Environment Bank were able to provide this and offer the right type of Biodiversity Units at the scale required.
A perfectly scaled BNG solution, delivered at pace
Gentoo Homes approached Environment Bank ahead of their planning application submission in November 2024, and we worked quickly with their development manager to allocate the correct Biodiversity Units by August 2025, allowing their development to begin on schedule.
Despite the large size of the development, we delivered a cost-effective BNG solution by sourcing fractional Biodiversity Units for Gentoo Homes – fulfilling the development’s BNG requirements precisely.
Local BNG with public access
Environment Bank located the correct Biodiversity Units from Heighington Habitat Bank – a fifty-acre nature restoration project just one National Character Area (NCA) away from the proposed development.
Gentoo Homes’ project will contribute greatly to the incredible ecological transformation that is being completed at Heighington Habitat Bank as we enhance habitats and restore local wildlife on the site. This nature recovery project will also generate added social value for local communities as there are two public footpaths running through the landscape, allowing nearby residents access to the green space.
“It was so rewarding to play a part in such a significant and large-scale project, especially seeing all the green spaces that Gentoo Homes are providing for residents. It also goes to show that fulfilling BNG requirements doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming – and at Environment Bank we’re always looking for the best BNG solution for our clients.”
Ettienne Gioia
Senior Key Account Manager
Environment Bank