2016 Energy Monitoring Report

The 2016 Energy Monitoring Report sets out the outcomes secured in 2016 as a result of implementation of the London Plan energy policies through the planning system.

An energy assessment is required for each planning application referable to the Mayor, setting out how the London Plan energy policies will be met within the development. Specifically, applicants are required to set out 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 outcomes secured in 2016 as a result of implementation of the London Plan energy policies include:

• Total carbon reduction commitments by developers exceeded the target of a 35 per cent reduction in carbon emissions beyond Building Regulations.
• Cumulative regulated CO₂ emission reductions of over 48,000 tonnes per annum against the relevant Part L baseline. This is broadly equivalent to the savings achieved from retrofitting loft insulation in approximately 80,000 existing houses.

Significant investment (and with it associated employment opportunities) at each stage of the energy hierarchy including:

• Investment in energy demand reduction measures resulting in a 7.4 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with relevant Building Regulations.
• It is estimated that London Plan energy policies resulted in £160 million of investment in low carbon and renewable energy generation and infrastructure in 2016.
• £7.6 million of investment in solar photovoltaic panels, with further investment required to install heat pumps, both at individual sites and in heat networks.

Download Energy Monitoring Report 2016