Policy information sourced from the Islington Core Strategy

CS 10 Sustainable design

The council will seek to minimise Islington’s contribution to climate change and ensure that the borough develops in a way which respects environmental limits and improves quality of life. It will do this by:

Promoting zero carbon development by:

  • requiring all development to demonstrate that it has minimised on-site carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by using less energy through maximising energy efficiency, supplying energy efficiently using low carbon heating and cooling systems, and using on-site renewable energy generation. All major development should achieve an on-site reduction in total (regulated and unregulated) CO2 emissions of at least 40% in comparison with total emissions from a building which complies with Building Regulations 2006, unless it can be demonstrated that such provision is not feasible. Major development in areas where connection to a decentralised energy network is possible should achieve an on-site reduction in total (regulated and unregulated) CO2 emissions of at least 50% in comparison with total emissions from a building which complies with Building Regulations 2006, unless it can be demonstrated that such provision is not feasible. Further detail around these targets, including requirements for minor schemes will be set out in the Development Management Policies.
  • working with partners to promote and develop decentralised energy (DE) networks, with a particular focus on areas of the borough with the greatest potential for such networks (see figure 3.2). Existing DE networks within the borough will be protected and their expansion supported. All development will be required to contribute to the development of DE networks, including by connecting to such networks where these exist within the proximity of the development.
  • requiring development to offset all remaining CO2 emissions associated with the building through a financial contribution towards measures which reduce CO2 emissions from the existing building stock. This contribution would be made on the basis of an established price per tonne of CO2 which would be based on the cost of reducing emissions from existing buildings, for example through retrofitting of energy efficiency measures. The proposed price per tonne and further details around implementation of the offset policy will be set out in the Sustainable Design SPD.

Requiring all development to achieve the highest feasible level of a nationally recognised sustainable building standard. Target levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) will be set out in the Development Management Policies.

Requiring all development to demonstrate that it meets best practice water efficiency targets and, unless it can be shown not to be feasible, incorporates rain and grey water recycling. Residential schemes will be required to achieve a water efficiency target of 95 litres/person/day or less, with non-residential schemes achieving best practice efficiency levels as set out in Development Management Policies.

Requiring all development to demonstrate that it protects existing site ecology and makes the fullest contribution to enhancing biodiversity, both through on-site measures and by contribution to local biodiversity improvements.

Requiring all development to demonstrate that it is designed to be adapted to climate change, particularly through design which minimises overheating and incorporates sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), with more specific targets to be set out in the Development Management Policies. Developments may also be required to contribute to wider local adaptation schemes which mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Requiring all development to minimise the environmental impact of materials, for example through use of sustainably-sourced, low impact and recycled materials, and to take all possible measures to minimise the impact of construction on the environment, including by minimising construction waste. Further detail will be set out in a Sustainable Design SPD.

Requiring all development to be designed and managed to promote sustainability through their ongoing operation, for example through measures which raise awareness about environmental issues and support sustainable lifestyles, and to be adaptable to changing needs and circumstances over their lifetime. Further detail will be set out in a Sustainable Design SPD.

Encouraging sustainable transport choices through new development by maximising opportunities for walking, cycling and public transport use, and requiring that all new developments are car-free. Key proposals to increase cycling and improve safety are set out in the Islington Cycling Action Plan.

Working with partners and local communities to improve the environmental sustainability of the existing building stock and wider public realm, with a particular focus on increasing energy efficiency of homes and businesses.

For more information please see the Core Strategy