Warwick District Council's New Requirement
Energy Statements for Planning Applications
In a significant move towards sustainability, Warwick District Council has introduced a new requirement for planning applications: the submission of detailed energy statements. This initiative is part of the council's broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the district's built environment.warwickdc.oc2.uk+1warwickdc.oc2.uk+1
🌱 Why Energy Statements?
The council's Net Zero Carbon Development Plan Document (NZC DPD) mandates that new developments demonstrate a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Energy statements are now a crucial component of planning applications, ensuring that proposed buildings are designed to minimize energy consumption and utilize renewable energy sources.warwickdc.oc2.uk+4warwickdc.oc2.uk+4warwickdc.oc2.uk+4
🏗️ Who Is Affected?
The energy statement requirement applies to:
New residential developments: One or more dwellings (Use Class C3 or C4)warwickdc.oc2.uk+5warwickdc.oc2.uk+5warwickdc.oc2.uk+5
Non-residential developments: 1,000 sqm or more of new floorspace, including hotels (Use Class C1) and residential institutions (Use Class C2)warwickdc.oc2.uk+5warwickdc.oc2.uk+5warwickdc.oc2.uk+5
These developments must demonstrate how they will achieve net-zero operational regulated carbon emissions through an energy hierarchy approach.warwickdc.oc2.uk+4warwickdc.oc2.uk+4Good Homes Alliance+4
📊 What Should an Energy Statement Include?
An energy statement should outline:warwickdc.oc2.uk+1warwickdc.oc2.uk+1
Energy Efficiency Measures: Demonstrating a minimum 10% improvement on the Part L 2021 Target for Fabric Energy Efficiency for residential developments.warwickdc.oc2.uk+3warwickdc.oc2.uk+3Good Homes Alliance+3
Low and Zero Carbon Energy Sources: Incorporating renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, or biomass systems to reduce carbon emissions.
Carbon Offsetting: Where on-site measures are not feasible, proposals must calculate and offset any residual operational regulated carbon emissions to achieve net-zero status.Good Homes Alliance+2warwickdc.oc2.uk+2warwickdc.oc2.uk+2
Additionally, the energy statement should include U-values and airtightness details, comparing them to the notional values in the Future Homes Standard or Future Building Standard.warwickdc.oc2.uk+1Good Homes Alliance+1
📝 Practical Considerations for Applicants
Early Engagement: Consulting with energy consultants early in the design process can ensure that energy efficiency measures are integrated effectively.
Use of Standardized Tools: Utilizing tools like the Building Energy Performance Improvement Toolkit (BEPIT) or Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) can aid in demonstrating compliance.Good Homes Alliance
Documentation: Ensure that all calculations and assumptions are clearly documented and justified in the energy statement.
Offsetting Plans: If offsetting is necessary, provide a clear plan detailing how and where the carbon emissions will be offset.
✅ Benefits of Compliance
Streamlined Planning Process: Submitting a comprehensive energy statement can expedite the planning application process by addressing the council's sustainability requirements upfront.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Implementing energy-efficient measures can lead to reduced operational costs for building owners and occupants.
Contribution to Climate Goals: By adhering to the net-zero carbon objectives, developers contribute to the district's broader environmental goals.Warwick District Council+1warwickdc.oc2.uk+1