Energy Statements
In an effort to tackle the growing problem of climate change many Local Planning Authorities now require that an Energy Statement (or Energy Strategy Report) is submitted as part of a planning application.
Energy Statements illustrate to the Planning Authority how the development will achieve a level of energy performance (i.e. a reduction in energy demand or a reduction in CO2 emissions) that surpasses the requirements of the Building Regulations. On other occasions, the Energy Statement might be required to illustrate how low or zero carbon technology will be included within the development.
Each Energy Statement we provide is tailored to the specific requirements of the relevant Local Planning Authority, as these often vary from one Planning Authority to another.
Policy SI2 of the London Plan: Minimising greenhouse gas emissions
In the capital, new developments that fall within London’s 33 Boroughs need to achieve a level of CO2 emissions that are 35 per cent lower than the requirement of the 2013 Building Regulations. Developers must submit an Energy Statement that adheres to the energy hierarchy.
The Energy Hierarchy
- Be Lean: Developers must reduce energy consumption. This will apply to various aspects of construction, such as the building fabric, air tightness and glazing.
- Be Clean: Developers must go further and reduce CO2 emissions by providing heat and energy to a development efficiently. This can be done via the use of high efficiency systems, decentralised energy (energy created off-grid) or combined heat and power (CHP).
- Be Green: When design measures, such as those applied in ‘Be Lean’ and ‘Be Clean’ can provide no further CO2 savings, then, should more savings be required, developers must seek to provide energy via renewable sources.
At each stage of the energy hierarchy, CO2 emission reductions will be calculated using SAP and SBEM. SAP and SBEM are the government’s approved method for calculating the energy performance of dwellings and non-domestic buildings, respectively. The SAP and SBEM calculations will be presented to the Local Planning Authority as part of the Energy Statement.
Net zero carbon
Under the London Plan, all major developments submitted to the relevant Planning Authority must be net zero carbon. Where it is clearly demonstrated that the specific targets cannot be fully achieved on-site, any shortfall may be provided off-site or through a cash in lieu contribution to the borough in question. The amount provided will be ring-fenced to ensure CO2 emissions savings elsewhere. The current carbon off-set price stands at £95 per tonne of carbon dioxide per 30 years.
How We Can Help
Our price includes:
A review of the relevant Planning policies / conditions.
An Energy Statement that adheres to the requirements of your Local Planning Authority.
SAP and SBEM calculations to support the Energy Statement.
Calculation of the required specification and/or size of renewable technologies.
Help and support necessary to make sure that each development is compliant.
New dwelling Building Regulation compliance pack
- Part L: SAP calculations and Energy Performance Certificates.
- Part L: air leakage testing.
- Part E: sound insulation testing.
- Part F: extractor fan flow-rate testing.
- Part G: water calculations.
- Part O: dynamic thermal modelling.
Part L 2021
New Approved Documents L1 and L2 2021 came into force on 15 June 2022. The Mayor of London has announced that from this date, applicants will be expected to continue to follow the energy hierarchy, with a minimum 35% improvement over Part L 2021 from on-site carbon savings. Once on-site carbon savings have been maximised, any remaining emissions should continue to be offset via a cash-in-lieu contribution to the relevant borough’s carbon offset fund.
COMPETITIVE
Fast and accurate assessments at a competitive price.
EXPERIENCED
Comprehensive advice and support to ensure you arrive at the most economic and feasible solution to achieve compliance.
QUALIFIED
You can take comfort that the certificates we provide will be accepted as evidence for Building Regulations sign-off.
VALUE
Best quality advice, at a price that offers real value for money.
Testimonials
We are an RIBA Chartered Architectural Practice based on the South Coast, and have used the services of the Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells on countless projects over many years, mainly for the preparation of SAP calculations but also energy statements and air pressure testing across a broad range of projects. They have offered us invaluable practical advice on more complex projects to ensure compliance with the ever evolving statutory standards and we have always found them to provide a prompt, efficient, friendly and cost effective service and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Lightbox Architecture Limited
We have found the Achieve Green team to be highly experienced, specialised and competent. Advice is constructive and their approach to projects is strategic, ensuring the most effective solutions are taken forward. The team has a comprehensive understanding of planning requirements and appreciates how these translate into technical and on-site delivery. We highly recommend the team and look forward to working with them on forthcoming projects.
Kitewood Estates Ltd
As a business we have been involved with Achieve Green for a number of years. Their proactive involvement in our projects from design through to completion has enabled us to continually improve the energy efficiency of all our homes. The prompt and efficient service has meant they have become an integral part of our design team.
Panfile Ltd
I have been working with Jonathan and his Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells since 2011 on a range of projects from Schools, new build housing to straightforward extensions. They are very knowledgeable and efficient and have provided invaluable input to projects over the years ensuring that as a designer I can put forward the most cost effective solutions to complying with Part L.I always recommend Jonathan if ever anybody is in need of SAP and compliance testing services.
Bradbury Design Ltd