2018 Energy Monitoring Report

The 2018 Energy Monitoring Report sets out the outcomes secured in 2018 as a result of the implementation of the London Plan energy policies through the planning system. This report is based on the current London Plan and does not reflect the new Draft London Plan policies.

An energy assessment is required for each planning application referable to the Mayor, explaining how the London Plan energy policies will be met within the development. Specifically, applicants are required to demonstrate how the proposals apply the following energy hierarchy:

• Be lean: use less energy
• Be clean: supply energy efficiently
• Be green: use renewable energy

The hierarchy provides the mechanism through which the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reduction targets in Policy 5.2 of the London Plan are achieved. It also contributes to the implementation of strategic energy policies relating to decentralised networks and ensures opportunities for building occupants to receive efficient, secure and affordable energy.

Key highlights in 2018 as a result of implementation of the London Plan energy policies include:

• The London Plan continuing to drive greater carbon reductions than required by national policy with developers committing to an overall carbon emissions reduction of 36.9 per cent beyond the 2013 Building Regulations.
• For a second year in a row, the zero- carbon standard is driving greater on-site carbon reductions in the residential sector, where the zero-carbon target applied.
• An increase in heat network development, which is a key component of decarbonising our energy supply, including 96 per cent of the total dwellings receiving approval either proposing a site-wide heat network or connecting to an existing area-wide district heating network.
• A substantial rise in the number of developments deploying heat pump technologies in 2018 compared with 2017, with this trend expected to accelerate as the electricity grid decarbonises.
• Almost £7 million invested in solar PV panels enabling more than 5.5MW of new renewable electrical capacity.