- BU (Biodiversity Unit)
- The output of the metric; sized by distinctiveness x condition x area x strategic significance, with risk multipliers on post-development.
- LPA (Local Planning Authority)
- The local authority responsible for determining the planning application; the BNG validation gate.
- PEA (Preliminary Ecological Appraisal)
- CIEEM-defined ecological appraisal underpinning the metric input set; typical cost £1,500 to 4,000.
- UKHab
- UK Habitat Classification; the underlying habitat taxonomy used by the metric.
- SSM (Small Sites Metric)
- Shorter input form for sites 0.05 to 1 ha or 1 to 9 dwellings; same arithmetic, lower friction.
- SBM (Statutory Biodiversity Metric)
- The full metric; the JP039 v4.0 spreadsheet is its canonical implementation.
- NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project)
- Projects consented under the Planning Act 2008; in scope of BNG from 2 November 2026.
- NCA (National Character Area)
- Natural England landscape unit; spatial risk multiplier bands are defined by NCA proximity.
- LNRS (Local Nature Recovery Strategy)
- Statutory mapping of priority areas for nature recovery; drives strategic significance multiplier.
- JP039
- Natural England Joint Publication 039; the technical annex for the Statutory Biodiversity Metric v4.0.
- SRM (Spatial Risk Multiplier)
- The x2 doubling applied to statutory credits; the punitive backstop design feature.
- HMMP (Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan)
- The 30-year management and monitoring document required for off-site delivery.