Energy Statements
Increasingly Local Planning Authorities require an energy statement to be submitted as part of a planning application. This is often combined with a requirement to provide a reduction in carbon emissions from the energy use of the building through onsite generation of energy using low or zero carbon technologies (often referred to as renewable energy technologies). Typical reduction targets are currently between 10% and 20%.
In addition to potential requirements from the local planning authority, the sustainable building assessment schemes Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM both allow additional credits when low or zero carbon technologies have been included in the development proposals. The targets within these two schemes are currently 10% for the first credit and 15% for an additional credit.
For larger development proposals the preparation of an energy statement requires a staged process. At the outset of the planning and design process a energy strategy should be developed. This should include an examination of the targets that should be achieved in terms of energy performance and the contribution of low or zero carbon technologies. The strategy should also inlcude a screening of likely technologies and management options to deliver the strategy. The next step would be a feasibility study to identify a short list of options that may be further examined during the detailed design stages of the development project. The consultants at Planning for Sustainability provide a set of high quality services to assist you in developing and implementing a project specific energy strategy.
For smaller developments the options to minimise the carbon footprint of the development are relatively straightforward. CSH Web specialises in supporting small scale development projects with meeting the sustainability requirements. Visit the website for a quote for the preparation of an energy statement.