Policy information sourced from The London Plan 2021
SI 2 Minimising greenhouse gas emissions
Major development should be net zero-carbon. This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions in operation and minimising both annual and peak energy demand in accordance with the following energy hierarchy:
- be lean: use less energy and manage demand during operation
- be clean: exploit local energy resources (such as secondary heat) and supply energy efficiently and cleanly
- be green: maximise opportunities for renewable energy by producing, storing and using renewable energy on-site
- be seen: monitor, verify and report on energy performance.
Major development proposals should include a detailed energy strategy to demonstrate how the zero-carbon target will be met within the framework of the energy hierarchy.
A minimum on-site reduction of at least 35 per cent beyond Building Regulations152 is required for major development. Residential development should achieve 10 per cent, and non-residential development should achieve 15 per cent through energy efficiency measures. Where it is clearly demonstrated that the zero-carbon target cannot be fully achieved on-site, any shortfall should be provided, in agreement with the borough, either:
- through a cash in lieu contribution to the borough’s carbon offset fund, or
- off-site provided that an alternative proposal is identified and delivery is certain.
Boroughs must establish and administer a carbon offset fund. Offset fund payments must be ring-fenced to implement projects that deliver carbon reductions. The operation of offset funds should be monitored and reported on annually.
Major development proposals should calculate and minimise carbon emissions from any other part of the development, including plant or equipment, that are not covered by Building Regulations, i.e. unregulated emissions.
Development proposals referable to the Mayor should calculate whole lifecycle carbon emissions through a nationally recognised Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessment and demonstrate actions taken to reduce life-cycle carbon emissions.
For more information please see The London Plan 2021