Energy Strategy Consultancy
An Energy Strategy is a foundational document that defines how a new development or major refurbishment will meet current and future energy performance standards, reduce carbon emissions, and manage operational costs. Unlike a simple compliance report, a comprehensive Energy Strategy integrates planning requirements (such as local planning policy and Part L/O of Building Regulations) with practical design considerations, setting the framework for a building’s entire energy system. At Focus 360 Energy, we develop clear, robust strategies that define the fabric, efficiency measures, and low-carbon technologies necessary to secure planning approval and ensure long-term, high-performance.
What is an Energy Strategy?
An Energy Strategy is a technical and planning submission that outlines the projected energy demand and subsequent carbon emissions of a proposed building. It is typically required by local planning authorities to demonstrate compliance with national standards (like the UK Building Regulations Approved Documents L and O) and more stringent local policies (e.g., the London Plan’s energy requirements or specific council targets). The Strategy dictates the design choices related to: building fabric (insulation, air tightness), system efficiency (lighting, ventilation), and the selection of low-carbon heating and power generation (e.g., heat pumps, PV). It serves as the master plan for the building’s energy performance.
What Does the Energy Strategy Service Include?
Compliance Roadmapping: Identifying and defining the specific regulatory targets the project must meet (e.g., Part L BREL, local carbon reduction targets, Part O overheating limits).
Design Option Appraisal: Assessing multiple design scenarios (e.g., heat pumps vs. district heating) to determine the most cost-effective and carbon-efficient solution.
Fabric and Efficiency Specifications: Detailing the necessary improvements in U-values, air tightness, and system efficiencies to minimise energy demand.
Low-Carbon Technology Sizing: Calculating the required capacity for renewable or low-carbon systems (e.g., solar PV area, heat pump size) to offset residual carbon emissions.
Detailed Reporting for Planning: Producing a clear, auditable report formatted specifically to satisfy planning officers and secure technical approval.
Why Energy Strategy Matters
A robust Energy Strategy is crucial because it secures planning permission and fundamentally determines the long-term operational costs and carbon footprint of the asset. Failing to establish a clear strategy at the concept stage (RIBA 2/3) often leads to costly redesigns, delays in the planning process, and reliance on expensive, non-optimal technology late in the programme. By integrating energy planning early, you ensure the design is compliant, technically sound, and fully aligned with sustainability goals, reducing future risk and guaranteeing a high-performing building.
How Our Accredited Assessors Support You
Our team comprises chartered engineers and accredited Part L/O assessors who are deeply familiar with the nuances of regional planning policy, including the specific requirements of major city plans. We use dynamic simulation modelling (DSM) and industry-standard tools (SAP/SBEM) to accurately predict energy performance, testing various scenarios to find the optimal balance between performance, cost, and design intent. We work closely with your architects and M&E engineers to ensure the strategy is not only compliant on paper but is also practical and buildable on site.
Related Sustainability Services
Energy Strategy Consultancy is frequently combined with the following additional services:
Whole Lifecycle Carbon Assessment
Find out moreCircular Economy Statement
Find out moreNet Zero Feasibility
Find out moreCommercial Decarbonisation Modelling
Find out moreESOS Phase 4 Energy Audits
Find out moreMEES Compliance
Find out moreOur Process
Book your Energy Strategy service today.
Ensure your project secures planning approval and is built to perform optimally. Contact Focus 360 Energy today to discuss your new build or major refurbishment project and commission a robust, compliant Energy Strategy.
Click the Get a Quote link to access our online portal, or use the form to share brief details about your project and we will respond promptly.
Why choose Focus 360 Energy
Integrated Compliance: We seamlessly cover both planning requirements (policy) and Building Regulations (Part L/O).
Early Risk Mitigation: Our strategies flag potential compliance gaps early, preventing costly changes during the technical design stage.
Multi-Disciplinary Team: Expert input from planning consultants, energy modellers, and M&E specialists ensures a holistic solution.
UK-Wide and Local Policy Expertise: Deep knowledge of stringent local authority targets and London Plan requirements.
Clarity and Detail: Reports are highly detailed but structured clearly for easy review by planning officers and non-technical stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Strategy is a high-level plan and option appraisal submitted at the planning stage; a Statement is the final, confirmed compliance report based on the detailed design.
It is typically required as a supporting document for the full planning application, placing it around the transition from Stage 2 to Stage 3.
Yes, a comprehensive strategy must address the requirements of Part O, often including the initial design approach for passive cooling and mitigation.
Common technologies include high-efficiency building fabric, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP), and rooftop Solar Photovoltaics (PV).
Yes, most local authorities require an Energy Strategy or Energy Statement to demonstrate compliance with carbon reduction policies before granting permission.
Compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations (specifically meeting the Target Emission Rate) and achieving any additional Beyond Zero Carbon targets set by local policy.
By specifying efficient fabric and low-carbon heating, the strategy creates a building that is already on a future-proofed, low-carbon pathway.
Typically, 2–3 weeks from the date of receiving complete architectural drawings and M&E design input.
We need proposed architectural plans (layouts, elevations, sections) and specification details for key materials (insulation values, glazing performance).
We aim to collaborate, but the Strategy prioritises compliance and optimisation; if an M&E concept fails to meet carbon targets, we will recommend the necessary changes.
