London Plan – Key implications of new energy policies

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% CO_2;
  • 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.