Arts & Humanities, Medicine & Health, Social Sciences, STEM, Leadership, Women in Business, Research, Durham University, Trinity College Dublin, University College London, University of Leeds, University of St Andrews, University of York, London Business School, Leadership & Research Laidlaw Scholars, Alumni, Learning Hub, Opportunities, Saïd Business School, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, Women in Business, Imperial College London, University of Oxford - SDG Impact Lab
Navigating the Implementation Challenges of Biodiversity Net Gain - Research Report
The UK faces two significant crises: biodiversity loss and housing shortages. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) was made law to tackle these crises. However, implementation has been challenging, so I sat down with key stakeholders to understand why. This report details my findings.
This report is a detailed analysis of my findings. For a more visual summary please refer to my poster posted separately. Additional information can also be found on my project website: https://preview--laidlawresearchscholarship-86.lovable.app/
As a result of the findings from this research and at the recommendation of the involved stakeholders, I also developed an AI-enabled platform to streamline the BNG implementation process. You can find it here: https://bngsmart.com/
Student/Scholar, University College London (UCL)
Hello! My name is Rowena, I am an undergraduate at UCL studying Sustainable Built Environment, Energy and Resources. It is an honour to study at the QS ranking’s #1 university in the UK for sustainability and the Bartlett School which is the #1 faculty in the world for built environment studies.
I am passionate about sustainability and strive to combine academic research with real-world impact through quantitative and qualitative analysis, policy evaluations and environmental advocacy. My Laidlaw research builds on my previous work on Biodiversity Net Gain and its impact on sustainable housing of which a summary was published in the Harmony Journal in 2024. I am keen to pursue a meaningful career in sustainable finance consultancy.
In school I was recognised for my academic achievements with the International Gold Medal at Ireland’s Young Economist of the Year competition, a certificate of commendation from Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge in their economics essay competition and a feature on BBC Radio and ITV News at Reading Schools’ Model UN COP27.
Beyond academics, I am an active leader and environmental advocate. At UCL, I serve as a Green Impact Strategy Ambassador and Academic Representative, attending conferences, forums and committee meetings on a regular basis to ensure my peers’ voices are heard. I also love the performing arts, having directed and acted in multiple theatre productions as House Captain at school and playing the organ and singing in my church choir.
I thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments and am always looking for opportunities to drive meaningful, sustainable change. My goal as a Laidlaw Scholar is to merge research, technology and policy to creative innovative solutions for our global future.
Please sign in
If you are a registered user on Laidlaw Scholars Network, please sign in