What does BVI mean?
Biodiversity Value Increment. BVI is the unit in which the results of the BVI methodology are calculated. We didn’t have a proper name for the methodology for years. Eventually, a project partner started calling it BVI, and the name stuck.
Why are there so many different versions of the BVI methodology?
Over the course of many projects spanning more than 10 years, the idea and the calculation framework of the methodology matured into what we have today. But the process was anything but straightforward. There were branches in the development, new approaches that seemed promising but ultimately didn’t pan out, other approaches that turned out to be more useful than expected, and so on. During the same period, project reports and scientific articles were published documenting the current status at the time of submission. One project report was reviewed by the funding body for so long that it was already outdated when it was published. All this has meant that the publication history of the BVI methodology is not a neat string of pearls on a thread, but rather an unfinished, somewhat erratically growing network.
Who finances the development of the BVI methodology?
Several projects have driven the development of the BVI methodology and have been funded by various bodies. The largest contribution was made by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The latest project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Some additions to the methodology are contributions in kind from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Bochum University of Applied Sciences and the University of Augsburg.
Why are there comparatively few publications on the BVI methodology?
The development of the BVI methodology has always progressed with very limited resources. Once a project was completed, the focus of work often shifted directly to the next project. Taking the time to write a scientific article is a luxury when you are constantly on the hunt for the next grant.
Is there a BVI helpdesk for users who need support in applying the BVI methodology?
If you have any questions, please contact Jan Paul Lindner at the University of Augsburg. There is no dedicated helpdesk. If you would like to finance such a helpdesk, please also contact Jan Paul Lindner at the University of Augsburg.
How much does it cost to use the BVI method?
Almost all materials for applying the BVI method are free of charge. It takes a while to understand the methodology, so personnel costs are incurred. If you need professional support for a specific project, you can hire academics or consultants, which would of course incur costs. Please contact Jan Paul Lindner at the University of Augsburg for inquiries.
Can the BVI methodology also be used in contexts other than life cycle assessment?
Generally yes, but keep in mind that it was developed for use in life cycle analyses. Compared to other biodiversity methods for life cycle assessments, BVI is more granular. While other methods only differentiate between a few intensity levels of land use, BVI takes the actual management parameters into account. However, BVI is not able to replace very case-specific methods that are used, for example, in the context of environmental impact assessments. Nor can it replace the very site-specific assessments and recommendations of farmers and agricultural advisors.