The Role of the Geospatial Sector in Driving ‘Net Zero’

According to the recent Cabinet Office and Geospatial Commission policy paper, “Location data is the coal and iron fuelling a new revolution.”

As a fundamental part of this “new revolution”, location data, also known as ‘geospatial’ data, has become a vital commodity to both governments and organisations alike. Geospatial data enhances decision making; from driving economic recovery and business intelligence, to gaining detailed developmental insight. The true value of this data - as well as the challenges that it has the potential to solve - is growing exponentially year by year.

As part of the Geospatial Commission’s five-year geospatial strategy, one of the major goals is to unlock, promote, and safeguard the use of location data. This collaborative and open approach will enable innovation and improve access to better location data. It will also enhance capabilities, skills, and awareness.

At emapsite, we believe that through this collective effort, the geospatial sector can be pivotal in unlocking invaluable insights that can also help tackle climate change and drive to ‘net zero’ emissions.

What is ‘net zero’ exactly?

In the context of this post, ‘net zero’ – also known as carbon neutral – is about achieving a balance between carbon emissions created during a process, with the equivalent emissions being removed. Zero emissions may be unrealistic for many projects. In its wider scope, however, the goal of the net zero initiative is to provide reliable long-term solutions for sustainability, by meeting key environmental objectives such as minimising fossil fuel usage and switching to renewable sources, clean air and water, reducing or eliminating waste sent to landfill, and ensuring the long-term viability of resources.

How can the Geospatial Sector help in driving towards net zero?

The use of geospatial technology and location data has enormous potential in driving efficiencies and connectivity across multiple sectors, helping, in turn, to drive net zero.

Being a long-standing member of the geospatial sector ourselves, we’ve already seen the impact that our location data has had across industries, such as energy, infrastructure, land and property. From reducing site wastage and ensuring its reallocation, to coordination of roadworks supported by informed remote planning - negating unnecessary travel.

The UK Government’s ‘Environment Bill 2020’ – currently in its third reading in the House of Lords - was drafted to ensure environmental issues were placed front and centre in future decision making by both central and local government. It also incorporates new statutory demands on various planning processes. One new concept facing all developers is that of biodiversity net gain; where a biodiversity value of a site is established. A plan is put in place to ensure there is a net gain in biodiversity as part of the project. Before commencing development, a property developer will soon need to submit a biodiversity net gain plan to planning authorities as part of their application. It will then be up to the planning authorities to insist that all applications demonstrate how the biodiversity value has been calculated, how the net gain target will be achieved, and how the scheme contributes to the overall diversity of the site.

Geospatial data - from data gathered from aerial and satellite imagery, to datasets on land cover and geographically referenced census information - will be key in compiling this information.

This new process aims to benefit the environment at a macro level by insisting on gains at a very local level. It’s not just about having green space. Developers struggling to demonstrate a net gain can potentially offset their required quotas by investing in offsite designated habitat areas of biodiversity – so called ‘habitat banks’. Although still a nascent space, the HM Land Registry have been reported to be already supporting this initiative through conservation covenants that can be applied to land, ensuring its use for the purpose of conservation and habitat offsetting for the long term.

The new legislation will very likely open up a whole new market for location data and geospatial solutions to make a positive environmental impact through key net zero processes.