Policy information sourced from the Southwark Local Plan 2022

P70 Energy

All development

Energy Hierarchy

  • Development must minimise carbon emissions on site in accordance with the following energy hierarchy:
    • Be lean (energy efficient design and construction); then
    • Be clean (low carbon energy supply); then
    • Be green (on site renewable energy generation and storage).

Major development

  • Development must reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions and minimise both annual and peak energy demand. This must be in accordance with the following energy hierarchy:
    • Be lean (energy efficient design and construction); then
    • Be clean (low carbon energy supply); then
    • Be green (on site renewable energy generation and storage); then
    • Be seen (monitor, verify and report on energy performance); then
    • Offset residual carbon emissions to reach zero carbon target.
  • Major development must be net zero-carbon.
  • Major residential development must reduce carbon emissions on site (100% on 2013 Building Regulations). In exceptional circumstances, any shortfall must be secured off site through planning obligations or as a financial contribution.
  • Major non-residential development must reduce carbon emissions on site by a minimum of 40% on 2013 Buildings Regulations*. Any shortfall must be secured off site through planning obligations or as a financial contribution.
  • Development proposals referable to the Mayor must calculate whole life cycle carbon emissions through a nationally recognised assessment and demonstrate actions taken to reduce life cycle carbon emissions.

Decentralised Energy

  • Major development must be designed to incorporate decentralised energy in accordance with the following hierarchy:
    • Connect to an existing or planned decentralised energy network; then
    • Be future-proofed to connect to a planned decentralised energy network; or
    • Implement a site-wide low carbon communal heating system; and
    • Explore and evaluate the potential to oversize the communal heating system for connection and supply to adjacent sites and, where feasible be implemented.

*Building Regulations 2013. If these are updated, the policy threshold will be reviewed.

For more information please see the Southwark Local Plan 2022