New toolkit to boost biodiversity!

As part of Unipart's commitment to biodiversity, and to mark World Wildlife Day (3 March), a new biodiversity policy, toolkit and impact calculator has been launched!

Unipart’s first Biodiversity Policy expands on the objective to “encourage and enhance biodiversity on our sites and aim for net gains where possible” in the Environmental and Sustainability Policy for 2025.

The toolkit and biodiversity impact calculator has been developed to support teams across Unipart to assess the current biodiversity levels at their own sites and help them identify opportunities and create action plans for improvement.

The Sustainability team conducted a trial of the new biodiversity toolkit at Cowley Distribution Centre last week where they:

• evaluated the potential for land improvement through raised bedding,
• conducted a survey of plant and animal life,
• examined the environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities presented by the site's natural features and,
• reviewed existing biodiversity initiatives at the site, including educational signage and planters designed to support bug life and greenery.

As a result the team identified the need to further maintain the current planters on site and explore the potential to better utilise degraded land for raised bedding and soil regeneration.

Click here to view the completed Cowley DC biodiversity toolkit

Click here for more info on how to create a site biodiversity action plan

Click here for a blank biodiversity toolkit with instructions (make a copy)

Colleagues can fill in a lot of the toolkit through desk based work using the online resources.

A site walk around should be conducted by site teams to identify plants and animals, as well as land that has or could be enhanced.

Speak to your sustainability champion or site lead to get involved. Please note all proposed changes as a result of using the toolkit require approval from the site responsible person and Facilities Management.

The biodiversity impact calculator in the toolkit can be used when sites have decided which improvement projects they would like to take forward - these can be added to create a log of ideas to review throughout the year.

For any questions, or assistance required please contact sustainability@unipart.com or emma.hubberstey@unipart.com.

World Wildlife Day (3 March) raises awareness of the vital importance of wild animals and plants to both people and the planet.

The day also promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15, which focuses on protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring sustainable forest management, combating desertification, reversing land degradation, and preventing biodiversity loss.