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New partnership trials eDNA to measure biodiversity net gain
Pilot explores environmental DNA as a faster, more accurate way to meet biodiversity net gain (BNG) rules, starting with railway sites.
International engineering consulting group, COWI, has joined forces with the University of Strathclyde to trial the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) – a technique that detects genetic material naturally shed by organisms – as a more efficient way to measure biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements.
The pilot, funded through COWIfonden’s Fast & Furious innovation programme, focuses on UK railway sites but has potential applications across global infrastructure, including transport, energy, and urban development. By analysing soil samples for DNA from plants, animals and microbes, the project aims to deliver a richer and more accurate picture of site biodiversity than traditional ecological surveys.
The collaboration tackles key challenges in infrastructure development. Traditional ecological surveys can be labour-intensive and restricted by seasonal windows. With BNG requirements set to become mandatory for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from May 2026 in England, eDNA offers a way to overcome these constraints. It can detect protected species that standard walkover surveys may miss, providing a more revealing picture of the health of an eco-system. This can help developers meet obligations more efficiently while reducing project risks, delays, and costs.
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Andy Sloan, Executive Vice President, COWI UK and International, said: “This partnership with the University of Strathclyde is a practical step in realising our ambition to focus on stability and biodiversity. It’s about embedding ecological intelligence into engineering practice, and setting a new standard for smarter, faster, nature-positive infrastructure.”
Dr Ronnie Mooney, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, added: “eDNA gives us a deeper resolution of habitats and long-term soil health. Working with COWI means we can apply this research in real-world projects with tangible impact.”
Findings from the trial are expected at the end of the year.
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How does eDNA improve accuracy in measuring biodiversity net gain?What advantages does eDNA offer over traditional ecological surveys?How can eDNA help meet biodiversity net gain requirements efficiently?In what ways can eDNA detect protected species missed by surveys?How might eDNA application reduce risks and costs in infrastructure projects?
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