Energy Statements

An Energy Statement (sometimes called a Sustainability or Energy Report) is a key document now required by many Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) before planning permission can be granted.

It demonstrates how a proposed development will reduce carbon emissions and meet energy-efficiency targets set by the Local Plannig Authority as well as adhering to Building Regulations Part L 2021. Eg. the London Plan Energy Hierarchy or regional sustainability frameworks.

Note: Energy Statements use design-stage SAP or SBEM calculations to demonstrate compliance. These are indicative only and must be re-assessed post-construction for final Building Control sign-off.

The Energy Hierarchy is a structured framework for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in a specific order of priority. It forms the basis of most energy statements for planning, especially in London and other progressive boroughs.

The stages are:

1. Be Lean – Reduce energy demand through efficient design and high-performance fabric.
2. Be Clean – Supply energy efficiently, e.g. via communal or district heating networks.
3. Be Green – Generate energy from renewable sources such as solar PV or heat pumps.
4. Be Seen – Monitor and report on actual energy performance once occupied.

This approach prevents “green bling” – i.e. adding renewables to poorly performing buildings just to tick boxes.

Energy Report Limited produces Energy Statements that demonstrate compliance with this hierarchy, balancing technical performance with real-world practicality.

Not always.

Local authorities prefer communal or district heating systems because they appear higher in the Energy Hierarchy (“Be Clean”). However, these are not always viable, especially for smaller residential or self-build projects.

Energy Report Limited carries out feasibility studies for each site, comparing options such as CHP, ASHPs, GSHPs, or PV systems and justifying why a particular approach is most appropriate. This ensures compliance without unnecessary cost or complexity.

Even a single new dwelling must show compliance with planning policies that focus on carbon reduction and fuel conservation.Energy Statements help LPAs verify that new homes are designed to minimise environmental impact, supporting national targets toward Net Zero by 2050.

Many councils particularly those following the London Plan require developers to offset any remaining carbon emissions by making a financial contribution (typically £100–£300 per tonne of CO₂).

The payment funds local carbon-reduction initiatives. The lower your site’s emissions, the smaller your payment.

Improving fabric efficiency (“Be Lean”) usually provides the biggest reduction, followed by low-carbon heating (“Be Clean”) and renewables (“Be Green”).

If your site cannot meet the required carbon reduction targets on-site, you may pay a ‘cash in lieu’ contribution to the local authority.

This allows the council to fund equivalent carbon savings elsewhere, maintaining its regional sustainability goals.

• Regulated energy covers heating, hot water, and lighting all controlled under Part L of the Building Regulations and measured through SAP or SBEM calculations.
• Unregulated energy includes appliances, plug loads, and occupant behaviour factors that have historically been ignored but are increasingly being requested by LPAs at the planning stage.

Only if it’s technically and economically viable. Some LPAs encourage or mandate connection to existing district heating systems, but feasibility often depends on distance, cost, and technical compatibility.

An Energy Statement for planning provides evidence that your development:

• Meets local sustainability policies
• Complies with Part L 2021 energy-efficiency standards
• Considers the full Energy Hierarchy
• Quantifies carbon savings and residual emissions
• Proposes practical design solutions to achieve compliance

LPAs rely on this document to make informed decisions about your proposal. Submitting a high-quality, professionally written statement from Energy Report Limited can prevent planning delays and avoid costly resubmissions.