Policy information sourced from the Tower Hamlets Local Plan
D.ES7 A zero carbon borough
1) Development is required to meet the carbon dioxide emission reduction standards as set out below.
| Year | Improvement on the 2013 building regulations |
|---|---|
| 2016-2031 | Zero carbon (to be achieved through a minimum 45% reduction in regulated carbon dioxide emissions on-site and the remaining regulated carbon dioxide emissions to 100% - to be offset through a cash in lieu contribution) |
| Year | Improvement on the 2013 building regulations |
|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | 45% regulated carbon dioxide emissions reduction |
| 2019-2031 | Zero carbon (to be achieved through a minimum 45% reduction in regulated carbon dioxide emissions and the remaining regulated carbon dioxide emissions to 100% - to be off-set through a cash in lieu contribution) |
2) Development is required to maximise energy efficiency based on the following standards:
- All new non-residential development over 500 square metres floorspace (gross) are expected to meet or exceed BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating
- All major non-residential refurbishment of existing buildings and conversions over 500 square metres floorspace (gross) must meet at least BREEAM non-domestic refurbishment ‘excellent’ rating
- As a minimum, all self-contained residential proposals will be strongly encouraged to meet the Home Quality Mark.
3) Major residential and major non-residential development will be required to submit an energy assessment. Minor nonresidential development will be strongly encouraged to prepare an assessment.
4) The energy assessment should demonstrate how the development has been designed in accordance with the energy hierarchy and how it will:
- maximise energy efficiency as per the requirements set out in Part 2
- outline the feasibility of low nitrogen dioxide decentralised energy, and
- seek to provide up to 20% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through on-site renewable energy generation.
5) The sustainable retrofitting of existing development with provisions for the reduction of carbon emissions will be supported.
For more information please see the Local Plan