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BioBanking Credit Calculator version 2

The BioBanking Credit Calculator version 2 is an online application that applies the BioBanking Assessment Methodology (the methodology) and calculates the number and type of credits created at a biobank site or required to be purchased and retired to offset the negative impacts of a development site.

It is compulsory to use version 2 of the calculator to assess sites and calculate the credit requirements for a Biobanking statement or an agreement from 1 April 2012.

A username and password are required to access version 2 of the calculator. Usernames and passwords are allocated by OEH to accredited BioBanking Assessors.

Assessments using the methodology are based on survey data and information collected at the site as well as information contained in three biodiversity databases – the Vegetation Types Database, Vegetation Benchmarks Database and BioBanking Threatened Species Profile Database.

The data in the biodiversity databases is reviewed and updated by OEH on a regular basis as new information becomes available. Updated data will only be imported into the Credit Calculator at specific times. Assessors will be notified at least 6 weeks prior to when the biodiversity databases are updated.

The operational manual and guide to using version 2.0 of the calculator

The BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Operational Manual (09181bioopsman.pdf, 2.3MB) provides guidance on the assessment methodology and the field survey methods used to assess a development site or biobank site. This includes the assessment of vegetation type, condition, threatened species and landscape value of a site.

The Assessors’ Guide to Using the BioBanking Credit Calculator v.2 (120182AssessGdeBBCC.pdf, 2.5MB) provides detailed guidance on the operation and use of the web-based credit calculator.

A four-day training course is available that provides users with a more detailed understanding of the methodology and the function and operation of the calculator. Completion of the training course is also a pre-requisite for anyone applying to become an accredited BioBanking Assessor.

Version 1.2 of the calculator

The Microsoft Access version of the BioBanking Credit Calculator (version 1.2) can no longer be used to assess sites as part of an application for a biobanking statement or agreement. However, it will remain available to download until 31 March 2013. Please note that OEH will not continue to update the vegetation types, benchmarks or threatened species data that is contained within version 1.2.

For users who have Microsoft Access, download the version 1.2 of the BioBanking Credit Calculator (BCCaccessv1.2.zip, 39MB).

For users who do not have Microsoft Access, download the version 1.2 of the BioBanking Credit Calculator that contains software allowing the calculator to operate using runtime software (BCCruntimev1.2.zip, 28MB).

The BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Operational Manual provides detailed guidance on the operation and use of version 1.2 of the calculator.