SiLC Climate Change & Sustainability Subgroup Discusses Emerging BSI Flex Standards for Nature Markets
At the Group’s 22nd July meeting, members heard a presentation from Defra on the development of the British Standards Institution (BSI) Flex standards programme for nature markets and specifically the BSI Nature Investment Standards. This work is particularly important for SiLC members because emerging nature markets, biodiversity initiatives and environmental investment mechanisms are increasingly influencing decisions about land condition, land use and land management. Clear, credible standards can help ensure that environmental improvements associated with land restoration, regeneration and stewardship are consistently measured, recognised and capable of attracting investment with confidence.
The presentation outlined the growing importance of standardisation in environmental and ecosystem markets. With increasing private-sector investment being directed towards nature recovery, there is a recognised need for clear and consistent standards to provide confidence to investors, landowners, regulators and buyers. Without such consistency, differing approaches to measuring environmental outcomes can lead to confusion, uncertainty and the risk of unsubstantiated environmental claims.
Defra explained that the programme’s overarching aim is to support the development of high-integrity ecosystem markets that can attract private investment, while delivering genuine environmental benefits. The standards are intended to provide a common framework, setting out clear requirements, roles and responsibilities across nature markets and helping to establish trust and confidence in environmental outcomes.
Members heard how BSI undertook an extensive stakeholder engagement and discovery exercise following the programme’s launch in 2023. This included interviews, workshops, surveys, webinars and reviews of existing standards and market practice from across the UK and internationally. The exercise identified gaps in existing guidance and helped prioritise areas where new standards could provide the greatest benefit.
There then followed a wide-ranging and rich discussion on implementation, policy alignment and opportunities for the land contamination and brownfield sectors.
A particular focus of discussion was the practical implications of the emerging standards and their potential role in supporting nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement and investment in environmental improvement projects. Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that standards remain clear, proportionate and applicable across a wide range of land uses and environmental settings.
The meeting also touched on recent government policy developments, including the publication of the 30 by 30 on Land Delivery Plan, which sets out approaches to categorising land and schemes according to their contribution to biodiversity outcomes. Members noted the growing interaction between policy initiatives and emerging market standards, and the need for practitioners to understand how these frameworks may evolve.
During the discussion, attendees raised questions about consistency across the devolved administrations and the extent to which approaches in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may align with developments in England. SiLC will seek further updates on this topic as the standards programme progresses.
Co Chair Mark Hill thanked Defra and members for their contributions, noting the high level of engagement and the value of the discussion in helping members understand the rapidly developing nature markets landscape.
SiLC will continue to monitor developments in the BSI Flex programme and related policy initiatives and will provide further updates to members as new standards are published and implemented.”
More information can be found at The BSI Nature Investment Standards – GOV.UK Defra would be very keen to hear your views. Please get in touch if you are interested in contacting the team working on the standards.