Energy Statement – London Plan
Conquering the London Energy Plan: Your Pathway to Zero-Carbon Compliance
The London Plan has set the bar high for energy efficiency in new developments, aiming for a net-zero carbon future by 2030. While these ambitious targets are commendable, they also present significant challenges for developers and builders navigating the complexities of compliance. The stakes are high: missed targets can lead to project delays, financial penalties, and a tarnished reputation.
The London Energy Plan
A Closer Look at the Challenges
The London Energy Plan introduces a tiered approach to carbon reduction, with increasingly stringent targets over time. It emphasises a clear hierarchy, prioritising energy efficiency and demand reduction before considering low-carbon or renewable energy sources.
Key aspects of the London Energy Plan include:
Zero-Carbon Target: All new developments must be net zero-carbon by 2030. This ambitious goal requires a holistic approach to energy efficiency, encompassing everything from building design and materials to energy systems and occupant behaviour.
BEM (Building Emissions Modelling): BEM assessments are now mandatory for major developments, evaluating whole-life carbon emissions during the design stage. This necessitates early-stage planning and collaboration with energy consultants to ensure your project is on the right track from the outset.
Energy Hierarchy: The plan prioritises reducing energy demand through efficient design and construction before considering on-site renewable energy generation or off-site energy supply. This means focusing on passive design strategies, high-performance building fabric, and efficient systems to minimise energy needs.
On-site Renewable Energy: While energy efficiency is paramount, new developments are also encouraged to incorporate on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar panels or heat pumps, to further offset carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner energy future.
London Energy Plan Pain Points: Where Developers and Builders Struggle
Navigating the London Energy Plan can be a minefield of challenges. Here are some common pain points faced by developers and builders:
- Complex Regulations: The London Plan’s energy requirements are intricate and can be difficult to interpret, especially for those unfamiliar with the technical jargon and assessment methodologies.
- Early-Stage Planning: The emphasis on BREEAM assessments and energy hierarchy necessitates proactive planning and collaboration with energy consultants from the earliest design stages. This can be a challenge for projects with tight timelines or limited resources.
- Balancing Costs and Performance: Achieving high levels of energy efficiency often involves upfront investments in advanced technologies and materials. Balancing these costs with project budgets and profitability goals can be a delicate balancing act.
- Technical Expertise: Conducting accurate energy assessments and developing effective energy strategies requires specialised knowledge and experience. Finding the right expertise can be a challenge, especially for smaller developers or those new to sustainable construction.
- Staying Ahead of the Curve: The London Energy Plan is a living document, with targets and requirements subject to change. Keeping up with the latest developments and ensuring your projects remain compliant can be an ongoing challenge.
Your Trusted Partner for London Energy Plan Compliance
We understand the complexities and challenges of the London Energy Plan. Our team of experienced energy consultants is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your project not only meets but exceeds expectations. We’ll help you transform energy efficiency challenges into opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and market leadership.
Our Comprehensive Suite of Services
- Early-Stage Energy Strategy Development: We’ll collaborate with you from the very beginning, crafting a robust energy strategy that aligns seamlessly with the London Plan’s requirements and your project’s unique vision. We’ll help you identify opportunities for energy efficiency, explore innovative technologies, and set a clear path towards a sustainable and successful development.
- BREEAM Assessments: The London Plan’s focus on whole-life carbon emissions demands a proactive approach. Our accredited assessors conduct meticulous BREEAM assessments, evaluating your building’s carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. We’ll pinpoint areas for reduction, helping you make informed decisions that minimise environmental impact and future-proof your investment.
- SAP, SBEM, and TM59 Calculations: Compliance with Part L and Part O of the Building Regulations is non-negotiable. Our team provides accurate and detailed energy assessments, ensuring your project meets or exceeds the required standards. We’ll guide you through the complexities of SAP, SBEM, and TM59 calculations, translating data into actionable insights that optimise your building’s performance.
- Energy Statements: A well-crafted Energy Statement is your key to planning approval. We’ll prepare a clear and compelling document that showcases your project’s commitment to energy efficiency and carbon reduction, leaving no doubt about your compliance and sustainability efforts.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Harnessing renewable energy sources is a powerful way to meet the London Plan’s targets and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. We’ll advise on and design renewable energy systems that seamlessly integrate into your building, maximising their efficiency and contributing to a greener future.
- Ongoing Support and Consultancy: The journey to energy efficiency doesn’t end with planning approval. We offer continuous support throughout your project’s lifecycle, ensuring you stay ahead of regulatory changes and optimise energy performance. From post-occupancy evaluations to energy audits and ongoing monitoring, we’re here to help you achieve lasting sustainability.
Related Sustainability Services
Energy Statement – London Plan is frequently combined with the following additional services:
SAP Calculations
Find out moreSBEM Calculations
Find out moreWhole Lifecycle Carbon Assessment
Find out moreCircular Economy Statement
Find out moreDaylight & Sunlight Assessments
Find out moreAir Quality Assessments
Find out moreUnlock Your Project’s Full Potential with Focus360 Energy
The London Energy Plan presents a unique set of challenges, but it also opens doors to innovation and opportunity. By partnering with Focus360 Energy, you gain a dedicated team of experts who will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your project not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our expertise can help you achieve your energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The London Energy Plan is a strategic document outlining the Mayor of London’s vision for a sustainable and energy-efficient city. It sets ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions from new developments and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a globally recognized sustainability assessment method for buildings. It evaluates a building’s environmental performance across various categories, including energy efficiency, water use, materials, waste management, health and well-being, and more.
BREEAM is important because it:
- Provides a holistic framework for sustainable building design and construction.
- Helps to reduce a building’s environmental impact and improve its overall sustainability.
- Can lead to cost savings through improved energy and water efficiency.
- Enhances occupant health and well-being by promoting good indoor air quality, natural light, and access to green spaces.
- Increases the marketability and value of a building by demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
In essence, BREEAM certification is a mark of quality that signifies a building’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
The London Energy Plan sets more stringent energy efficiency targets than the national Building Regulations, particularly for new developments. It also emphasises a whole-life carbon approach, considering both embodied and operational carbon emissions.
Complying with the London Energy Plan results in multiple benefits, including:
- Reduced energy bills and operating costs
- Enhanced sustainability and reduced carbon footprint
- Improved occupant comfort and well-being
- Increased property value and marketability
- Streamlined planning approval process
The Energy Hierarchy prioritises energy efficiency and demand reduction before considering low-carbon or renewable energy sources. This means that your project should focus on minimising energy needs through efficient design and construction before incorporating renewable technologies.
The London Energy Plan encourages the use of on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar panels or heat pumps. Focus360 Energy can advise on and design suitable renewable energy systems for your development.
Non-compliance can lead to planning refusal, delays, and potential financial penalties. It can also damage your industry reputation and make it harder to secure future projects.
Focus360 Energy offers a range of services to support your compliance with the London Energy Plan, including energy strategy development, BREEAM assessments, SAP/SBEM/TM59 calculations, and energy statements.
Ideally, as early as possible in the project planning stages. This allows for proactive energy strategy development and ensures that your design aligns with the London Plan’s requirements from the outset. We can, however, help at any stage of your project.
