Energy Statements for Planning

These (often lengthy) reports are designed to demonstrate to the planning authority that the proposed development meets the energy and sustainability requirements of the borough’s Local Plan.

Typical Local Plan requirements may include:

• A 19% reduction in CO₂ emissions (beyond Building Regulations baseline)
• 20% of predicted energy usage from renewable sources
• 35% on-site carbon reduction beyond Part L 2021

Each Local Planning Authority (LPA) will have its own set of requirements, which must be confirmed and clearly demonstrated in a format that satisfies the planning or sustainability officer.

Which Local Authorities Require an Energy Statement?

Many LPAs across the UK now require some form of Energy Statement either with the planning application or as a condition of planning permission. There is no single national mandate, so requirements vary widely between councils.

Over the 10+ years we’ve been delivering Energy Statements, we’ve seen a consistent rise in the number of LPAs requesting them. This trend has accelerated in recent years, as:

• Over 300 of the 408 LPAs in the UK have declared a climate emergency
• Around 200 LPAs have adopted net zero carbon targets by 2050

Energy Statements are now a key tool for helping LPAs meet these ambitions.

London Plan Note:
Developments within Greater London must follow the specific Energy Statement requirements outlined in the London Plan. These are detailed in a separate planning guidance document here.

When Is an Energy Statement Required?

The requirement for an Energy Statement typically falls into one of two categories:

1. At the submission stage of a planning application (for new build residential or commercial developments)
2. As a condition of your granted planning permission (residential or commercial)

Post-Construction

Often, planning conditions will also require a post-construction verification to confirm that the as-built development matches the design-stage Energy Statement.

What’s Included in an Energy Statement?

The foundation of an Energy Statement is the SAP (for dwellings) or SBEM (for non-domestic) energy calculations.

Most LPAs require that the Energy Statement follows the Energy Hierarchy, a step-by-step approach to reducing carbon emissions:

• Be Lean – Use less energy (e.g., insulation, airtightness)
• Be Clean – Supply energy efficiently (e.g., district heating, CHP)
• Be Green – Use renewable energy (e.g., solar PV, heat pumps)

This approach ensures energy efficiency measures are prioritised before adding renewables. It’s a practical route to reducing overall energy use, rather than relying on “greenwashing” by installing renewables on inefficient buildings.

Do I Need an Energy Statement for a Conversion?

In most cases, yes.

If the project involves a change of use, particularly to C3 residential, the LPA will typically treat it as a new dwelling – which means an Energy Statement is likely to be required to show how the proposal will meet energy and CO₂ reduction targets.

How Can Energy Report Help?

Since 2007, Energy Report has been a trusted partner for building owners, developers, architects, and engineers—delivering complete energy and sustainability solutions.

We help shape responsible, energy-efficient buildings that:

• Meet local planning requirements
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Perform efficiently for years to come

As energy and sustainability regulations evolve, we keep you ahead of the curve, translating complex requirements into clear, actionable strategies.

Whether you’re planning a new build or retrofitting an existing property, we’ll guide you every step of the way toward compliance, energy efficiency, and environmental excellence.