ENERGY STATEMENTS
CREATED BY EXPERIENCED ASSESSORS
A localised requirement separate from your planning application and often more stringent than the national building regs, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are demanding energy statements more and more.
They might seem confusing or even daunting, but our experienced teams are here to help you out every step of the way.
Table of Contents
Energy Statements for planning in London & Elsewhere
What are Energy Statements?
An energy statement, also known as the building energy analysis report, is an additional requirement to the sustainability tests required by the building regs. The difference is that the building regs cover the whole country, whereas an energy statement is a local requirement. It is basically a record outlining how your development will achieve the Local Planning Authority’s (or LPA’s) targets.
It must include a calculation of the predicted energy/CO2 emissions, and a demonstration of how any of the proposed improvements could reduce energy consumption. This means integrating Low or Zero Carbon (LZC) renewable energy technologies. For these, your energy statement must provide a complete feasibility study for proposed technologies, outlining how your development would make use of existing power and heat networks, or provide new hubs for novel networks of the future.
Why do you need an energy Statement ?
The short answer: because in many parts of the country energy statements are mandatory for all new development proposals, whether commercial or residential. Why? Because they demonstrate commitment to achieving sustainable development, as defined by the LPA.
These reports are being demanded more and more, and that’s alongside planning applications. It’s the LPAs way of checking that developments are going to meet their carbon emission and renewable energy targets, which go beyond UK building regs and are normally more stringent.
Local authorities covered by The London Plan require these building energy analysis reports so that they can see proof that development will meet the required 35% cut in carbon emissions. However, LPAs both within London and outside of London can even go over and above these rules with their requirements, depending on their own set targets.
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How Purple Energy can help ?
For each and every one of our experts, the humble energy statement comes as second nature. With a wealth of experience in all things related to these reports, we’re the helping hand you need to save time and money when you’re asked to provide one. Our accredited consultants operate nationwide, so we’re here to help you no matter where you’re planning your development to be.
For every project, we will contact the relevant LPA to find out exactly what they require. Normally, to create the statement, we use information from Building Regs Part L calculations, like SAP or SBEM. Often, there are other assessments that could be required depending on the location-many places require BREEAM, and some require water reporting too.
Necessary documentation for Energy Statements
Specifically, to make the energy statement, you or your architect will need to provide us with information such as:
- Floorplans
- Site plans
- Sections
- Elevations
- Renewable technologies
- Specification of heating systems
- Specification of hot water systems
- Type and thickness of installation
- U-value of openings
- Percentage of low energy lighting
- Specification of ventilation systems
- Accredited construction details
- Information about how you will source materials
What's included in an Energy Statement?
As mentioned, an energy statement is designed to show how a development has been (or will be) designed to cut down energy use. To do this, it provides:
- Baseline annual carbon emissions and energy costs
- The energy efficiency of the building fabricFactors related to lighting, heating and ventilation
- The contribution of each proposed renewable energy technology
- The cost breakdown for each proposed renewable energy technology
- Low and zero carbon feasibility report for renewable energy technologies
If there is anything you feel unclear about or you simply want to speak to one of our team members, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.