As one of the most progressive cities in the world, London is at the forefront of the UK's efforts to combat climate change. The London Plan 2021, developed by the Greater London Authority (GLA), sets out an ambitious framework for how the city will grow sustainably in the coming years. A core aspect of the plan focuses on energy use in new developments, ensuring that they meet rigorous environmental standards to support London’s Zero Carbon goals.

At Melin Consultants, we specialise in helping developers navigate the complex requirements of the London Plan by producing Energy Strategies that ensure full compliance while balancing client goals, financial feasibility, and sustainability.

The London Plan Energy Strategy is a mandatory requirement for all planning applications in the capital. It ensures that new developments incorporate energy-efficient designs and technologies to reduce carbon emissions. The strategy outlines how a development will meet the Zero Carbon standard, contributing to London’s broader sustainability and carbon reduction targets.

The London Plan 2021 aims to make London a leader in sustainability and zero-carbon commitments by setting stringent standards for new developments. At the heart of the plan is Chapter 9 - Sustainable Infrastructure, which governs energy strategies for developments. Melin’s dedicated team works to ensure that our clients’ developments comply with the plan's requirements while balancing design objectives, financial viability, and client aspirations.

Key policies within Chapter 9 include:

1. Policy SI 2 – Minimising Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This policy mandates that new developments reduce carbon emissions through a combination of energy-efficient design, low-carbon technology, and renewable energy sources. Policy SI 2 link
2. Policy SI 3 – Energy Infrastructure: Focuses on how developments should integrate with London’s energy networks, emphasizing the importance of connecting to district heat networks or implementing low-carbon energy solutions. Policy SI 3 link
3. Policy SI 4 – Managing Heat Risk: Addresses the need to mitigate the impact of overheating in new buildings to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for occupants. Policy SI 4 link

London Plan Energy Strategy Requirements:

• Zero Carbon Standard: All new developments must aim for zero carbon, with at least a 35% on-site reduction over the 2021 Approved Document Part L.
• On-Site Energy Efficiency: For residential projects, at least 10% of carbon reductions should come from energy efficiency measures, while non-residential developments should achieve 15%.
• Carbon Offset Fund: In cases where these targets can’t be met, developers must contribute to the borough’s carbon offset fund.

For those outside of London, we offer energy statements tailored to local requirements, visit our energy statements page here.

Our Approach…..

At Melin, we work in line with the London Plan Energy Hierarchy to ensure all energy strategies are compliant, effective, and aligned with project goals.

1. Liaise
   We engage with the Local Planning Authority to understand the specific requirements of the development. In this stage, we advise the design team on any potential design constraints and help identify early opportunities for value engineering—optimising the design for cost-efficiency without compromising on quality or sustainability.
2. Consult
   During the consultation phase, we work closely with the design team to understand the project’s objectives, constraints, and the end client’s aspirations. We start by requesting clients to complete an energy statement checklist outlining their preferred construction and M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) specifications. While we often need to enhance and develop this information further, we aim to align our strategies with the design team’s aspirations as closely as possible, making amendments only when necessary and following consultation with all stakeholders.

[Download example checklist here]

1. Assess
   Using SAP2021 and/or SBEM calculations, we conduct initial energy modeling for the proposed development. This forms the foundation for the Energy Strategy, helping us evaluate low and zero-carbon (LZC) technologies and their suitability for the project. Further energy and carbon dynamic modeling software allows us to explore the technical and cost viability of solutions while also considering challenges like overheating, acoustic issues, and air quality constraints.
2. Calculate
   Once the models are developed, we calculate the forecast operational carbon emissions to be reported to the Greater London Authority (GLA). If required, we also calculate any carbon offset payments that may need to be made if the on-site reduction targets cannot be fully achieved.
3. Report
   After establishing a clear strategy based on sufficient SAP/SBEM outputs, we begin drafting a comprehensive, bespoke report. This report details the construction, M&E, and renewable energy specifications that demonstrate compliance with the London Plan requirements. Before finalizing, we will send out a draft for review and comment from the design team and relevant stakeholders—a process we’ve followed since 2016 to ensure that all input is considered before final submission.
4. Final Report
   After incorporating any feedback, we produce the final report for submission to the planning authority, ensuring that it reflects a comprehensive and compliant energy strategy.

What does a London Plan Energy Strategy Include?

All energy strategies we produce adhere to the which emphasizes:

• Be Lean (Use less energy): Implement fabric efficiency measures to reduce energy demand and achieve the required carbon emission reductions as per AD Part L 2021.
• Be Clean (Decentralized Energy): Once the Be Lean target is met, consider how the development can be futureproofed by connecting to an existing District Heat Network or creating a low-carbon communal network.
• Be Green (Renewable Energy): Include renewable energy technologies, such as solar PV, to generate energy on-site.
• Be Seen: Detail how energy consumption and emissions can be monitored and measured after project completion.
• Zero Carbon: If the above measures do not meet the zero-carbon target, a carbon offset calculation will be required to address any shortfall.

This structured and consultative approach ensures that all developments comply with the London Plan's energy requirements while maintaining project feasibility and alignment with client aspirations.

Ready to Start?

If you're planning a new development in London, let us help you meet the high sustainability standards set by the London Plan 2021. Our proven track record of developing compliant and cost-effective energy strategies ensures that your project will not only meet the required carbon reduction targets but also achieve your design and operational objectives.

Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your London Plan Energy Strategy.