Policy SI 2 — Minimising greenhouse gas emissions

Policy SI 2 Minimising greenhouse gas emissions A Major development should be net zero-carbon. [151] This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions in operation and minimising both annual and peak energy demand in accordance with the following energy hierarchy: 1) be lean: use less energy and manage demand during operation 2) be clean: exploit local energy resources (such as secondary heat) and supply energy efficiently and cleanly 3) be green: maximise opportunities for renewable energy by producing, storing and using renewable energy on-site 4) be seen: monitor, verify and report on energy performance. B Major development proposals should include a detailed energy strategy to demonstrate how the zero-carbon target will be met within the framework of the energy hierarchy. C A minimum on-site reduction of at least 35 per cent beyond Building Regulations [152] is required for major development. Residential development should achieve 10 per cent, and non-residential development should achieve 15 per cent through energy efficiency measures. Where it is clearly demonstrated that the zero-carbon target cannot be fully achieved on-site, any shortfall should be provided, in agreement with the borough, either: 1) through a cash in lieu contribution to the borough’s carbon offset fund, or 2) off-site provided that an alternative proposal is identified and delivery is certain. D Boroughs must establish and administer a carbon offset fund. Offset fund payments must be ring-fenced to implement projects that deliver carbon reductions. The operation of offset funds should be monitored and reported on annually. E Major development proposals should calculate and minimise carbon emissions from any other part of the development, including plant or equipment, that are not covered by Building Regulations, i.e. unregulated emissions. F Development proposals referable to the Mayor should calculate whole life-cycle carbon emissions through a nationally recognised Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessment and demonstrate actions taken to reduce life-cycle carbon emissions. 9.2.1 The Mayor is committed to London becoming a zero-carbon city . This will require reduction of all greenhouse gases, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent. [153] London’s homes and workplaces are responsible for producing approximately 78 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions. If London is to achieve its objective of becoming a zero-carbon city by 2050, new development needs to meet the requirements of this policy. Development involving major refurbishment should also aim to meet this policy. 9.2.2 The energy hierarchy (Figure 9.2) should inform the design, construction and operation of new buildings. The priority is to minimise energy demand, and then address how energy will be supplied and renewable technologies incorporated. An important aspect of managing demand will be to reduce peak energy loadings. 9.2.3 Boroughs should ensure that all developments maximise opportunities for on-site electricity and heat production from solar technologies (photovoltaic and thermal) and use innovative building materials and smart technologies. This approach will reduce carbon emissions, reduce energy costs to occupants, improve London’s energy resilience and support the growth of green jobs. 9.2.4 A zero-carbon target for major residential developments has been in place for London since October 2016 and applies to major non-residential developments on final publication of this Plan. Figure 9.2 - The energy hierarchy and associated targets Figure 9.2 - The energy hierarchy and associated targets 9.2.5 To meet the zero-carbon target, an on-site reduction of at least 35 per cent beyond the baseline of Part L of the current Building Regulations is required. [154] The minimum improvement over the Target Emission Rate (TER) will increase over a period of time in order to achieve the zero-carbon London ambition and reflect the costs of more efficient construction methods. This will be reflected in future updates to the London Plan. 9.2.6 The Mayor recognises that Building Regulations use outdated carbon emission factors and that this will continue to cause uncertainty until they are updated by Government. Interim guidance has been published in the Mayor’s Energy Planning Guidance on the use of appropriate emissions factors. This guidance will be updated again once Building Regulations are updated to help provide certainty to developers on how these policies are implemented. 9.2.7 Developments are expected to achieve carbon reductions beyond Part L from energy efficiency measures alone to reduce energy demand as far as possible. Residential development should achieve 10 per cent and non-residential development should achieve 15 per cent over Part L. Achieving energy credits as part of a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating can help demonstrate that energy efficiency targets have been met. Boroughs are encouraged to include BREEAM targets in their Local Plans where appropriate. 9.2.8 The price for offsetting carbon [155] is regularly reviewed. Changes to the GLA’s suggested carbon offset price will be updated in future guidance. New development is expected to get as close as possible to zero-carbon on-site, rather than relying on offset fund payments to make up any shortfall in emissions. However, offset funds have the potential to unlock carbon savings from the existing building stock through energy efficiency programmes and by installing renewable technologies – typically more expensive to deliver in London due to the building age, type and tenure. 9.2.9 The Mayor provides support to boroughs by advising those which are at the early stages of setting up their carbon offsetting funds, and by setting out guidance on how to select projects. To ensure that offset funds are used effectively to reduce carbon whilst encouraging a holistic approach to retrofitting, Mayoral programmes offer additional support. [156] 9.2.London Plan Policy SI 2 · official source →