Technical newsletters about emerging issues & our latest research

The Intend to Publish London Plan is expected to be adopted imminently. Here we summarise the key implications of the new energy policies:

  • Energy efficiency
    • Residential: 10% CO2 reduction over Part L 2013;
    • Non-Residential: 15% CO2 reduction over Part L 2013;
    • Using SAP10.1, instead of SAP2012, enables a slightly relaxed specification.
  • Heat Networks
    • The heating hierarchy remains where connecting to existing or planned heat network should be prioritised;
    • New heat networks should be developed with a single energy centre and be designed with connection points for external connections.
  • Renewables
    • Solar PV will continue to be encouraged even where buildings achieve the 35% CO2;
    • Heat pumps are expected to be the primary energy source for the majority of energy strategies: both for heat networks & individual homes.
  • Carbon offset payments
    • Increases to £95 per tonne from £60/T and now applies to non-residential as well as residential;
    • Use of the SAP 10.1 carbon factors & some heat pump strategies can mitigate this increase.
  • Metering and monitoring
    • Increased emphasis has also been put on the metering and monitoring of buildings once developed to ensure buildings perform to design standards.