Energy and Sustainability Statements: Preparing Submissions Achieving Approval
A Practical Guide to Planning Compliance
As sustainability requirements continue to evolve, developers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate how their projects will minimise energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to wider environmental objectives. In many cases, this begins long before construction starts, with the submission of an Energy and Sustainability Statement.
Often required by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), these documents form an important part of the planning process, demonstrating how a development will meet local and national sustainability objectives while delivering energy-efficient building performance.
This guide explains what Energy and Sustainability Statements are, when they are required, what they typically include and how they support successful project delivery from planning through to completion.
What Is an Energy and Sustainability Statement?
An Energy and Sustainability Statement is a document submitted alongside a planning application that sets out a project’s proposed approach to energy efficiency, carbon reduction and environmental performance.
The purpose of the statement is to demonstrate that a development has considered:
Many Local Planning Authorities require these statements to support planning applications, particularly for larger residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
Why Are Energy and Sustainability Statements Important?
An Energy and Sustainability Statement provides confidence that sustainability has been considered from the earliest stages of design.
Beyond meeting planning requirements, these documents help project teams:
By establishing clear energy objectives at an early stage, developers can often avoid costly redesigns later in the project lifecycle.
When Is an Energy and Sustainability Statement Required?
Requirements vary between Local Planning Authorities, but Energy and Sustainability Statements are commonly requested where developments must demonstrate compliance with local planning policies relating to:
Where required, the statement typically forms part of the planning submission and may subsequently influence planning conditions attached to the approval.
What Does an Energy and Sustainability Statement Include?
While requirements differ between authorities, most statements include several core elements.
Project Overview
The report typically begins outlining the proposed development; site characteristics; building use; and relevant planning policies. This establishes the framework for assessing energy and sustainability performance.
Energy Demand Assessment
This involves evaluating how the development will minimise energy demand which often includes: building fabric performance; insulation specifications; air tightness measures; efficient building services; and passive design strategies. Reducing demand is generally the most cost-effective way to improve long-term building performance.
Carbon Reduction Strategy
The statement outlines the measures proposed to reduce operational carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. These may include low-carbon heating systems, high-efficiency ventilation systems, smart controls, and low-energy lighting. The objective is to demonstrate a clear pathway towards improved environmental performance.
Renewable Energy Opportunities
Here, opportunities for renewable technologies are assessed against the specific characteristics of the development. This means assessing the evaluating the feasibility of adding solar PV, solar thermal systems, heat networks, and other low-carbon energy solutions to the development.
Understanding the Energy Hierarchy
Many Energy and Sustainability Statements follow the widely recognised energy hierarchy approach.
Be Lean
The first priority is reducing energy demand through efficient building design. Here, measures may include improved insulation, glazing, thermal bridging, and airtightness.
Be Clean
The next step considers efficient energy supply systems, including district heat networks, communal heating solutions, and low-carbon heating infrastructure.
Be Green
Renewable energy technologies are then incorporated where appropriate. Common examples include solar PV arrays and pumps.
Be Seen
Finally, strategies are considered for monitoring and verifying building performance after construction. This helps ensure operational performance aligns with design expectations.
How do SAP and SBEM Assessments Fit In?
These assessments provide the technical evidence that supports many of the commitments outlined within an Energy and Sustainability Statement.
SAP Assessments
SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is used for residential projects and evaluates a dwelling’s energy performance and carbon emissions.
SBEM Assessments
SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) applies to non-domestic buildings and assesses compliance with energy efficiency requirements.
How Do Energy and Sustainability Statements Support Part L Compliance?
A well-prepared Energy and Sustainability Statement often complements Building Regulations compliance activities.
This can include:
By aligning planning-stage sustainability objectives with later compliance requirements, project teams can create a more efficient pathway to project delivery.
Need an Energy & Sustainability Statement
Whether you’re preparing a planning application or developing a wider sustainability strategy, our team can help produce robust Energy and Sustainability Statements that satisfy planning requirements while supporting long-term building performance and carbon reduction objectives.
