Sustainable Energy and Energy Statements
In line with National Planning Policy the council sets the highest standards for new development across our community to minimise carbon emissions.
The Council requires all planning applications for new housing, whether new build or conversion, and all new commercial development, to include an energy statement.
To allow your Energy Statements to be speedily assessed we strongly recommend that you use our customised tool called C-Plan. Energy Statements can be submitted by completing the C-Plan online form (please note C-Plan is presently not able to process data relating to conversions).
The Council believes it is reasonable to reduce the predicted carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new development by a minimum of 10% below current building regulations. This standard is to be achieved by the incorporation of on-site renewable energy production equipment, or energy efficiency measures or a combination of both.
It is recognised that conversions of older buildings may have difficulty meeting this standard, it will however be expected that CO2 emissions can be reduced by at least 10% below that of the existing building.
Large development sites should promote innovative approaches to heat and energy, such as district heating or combined heat and power (CHP). For all developments in excess of 5,000m2 floor space, this should be regarded as the norm.
Energy Statement Data
There is no charge for submission via C Plan and it helps avoid delays by ensuring the correct information is provided. For further information:
- see C-Plan factsheet or C Plan C-Plan website
- C-Plan contact: Conor Sexton on 01483 749048 or conor.sexton@ecsc.uk.com.
C-Plan is configured such that it expects the data submitted to set out the development’s predicted CO2 emissions and arrangements to reduce emissions to at least 10% below building regulations standards through on-site renewable energy generation. The data required is detailed on the website.
The applicant must demonstrate the effectiveness of different renewable technologies in their specific site and construction context. A design process will be needed to calculate the data.
Where difficulties are encountered in meeting the expected standards, further advice and guidance can be sought from the C-Plan contact.
Please note, “renewable energy” includes biomass. “Energy efficiency” means minimising energy loss from a building by insulation, design, etc.
The main options for renewable sources are:
- solar thermal and photovoltaics
- biomass (renewable fuels such as purpose grown energy crops and wood fuel)
- ground source heat pumps
- wind.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy in development - policy background.
Related websites
- National Energy Foundation website
- Renewable Energy Association website
- British Wind Energy Association website
- Solar Trade Association website
- Ground Source Heat Pump Association website
- Biomass website
Last updated : 04/10/2011
