Thousands of people live, work and farm in the Peak District. One third of the 3,500 local businesses (opens new window) are in the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors, which can have direct influences on the environment and landscape, but the majority of businesses are in other sectors which have often indirect and overlooked influences on species and habitats locally, nationally and potentially internationally.

Business models should consider actual and potential impacts on nature and ecosystem services at all levels. All businesses should be able to assess their direct and indirect impacts on the natural environment, and implement simple changes without reducing profits. Some changes may require greater consideration and investment, but nature recovery can benefit businesses long into the future. Restoring natural processes and enhancing ecosystem services can improve the resilience of businesses, and more biodiverse areas can improve customer experience.

For nature

• Negative environmental impacts of business operations can be reduced or removed.
• Nature is valued, so people are more likely to protect and enhance it.
• Understanding the value of the natural environment, and integrating it into business models and business plans can stimulate private investment.

What else can integrating nature into local businesses deliver?

• Integrating nature into business models can help businesses become more sustainable. For example, by reducing carbon emissions, climate change impacts from supply chains might be reduced.
• Improved ecosystems can provide better services to local businesses, including reducing flood risk, locally-produced products and cultural services.
• A nature-friendly business model often delivers other interlinked ecosystem services, such as carbon emission reductions or reduced water usage.
• Considering how changes in the natural environment, and enhancing ecosystem services can help businesses become more resilient.
• Sustainable businesses for the future support our local economy and communities.
• Undertaking nature recovery action may increase the customer base, and increase customer experience.

In practice

• Consider impacts of operations and supply chains on nature at a local, national and international level, and reduce negative impacts.
• Take a Natural Capital (opens new window) approach to value the benefits nature provides.
• Consider risks that can impact nature, for example carbon footprint.
• New developments may be required to enhance areas for nature through Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Planning permission or other consents may be required to implement some changes, for example works to buildings, or installing renewable energy sources.