2024 Energy Monitoring Report

The 2024 Energy Monitoring Report sets out the outcomes secured in 2024 as a result of implementing the London Plan energy policies through the planning system.

An energy assessment is required for each planning application referable to the Mayor, explaining how the London Plan energy policies will be met within the development.

Development applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposals apply the following energy hierarchy:

• Be lean: use less energy.
• Be clean: supply energy efficiently.
• Be green: use renewable energy.
• Be seen: monitor, verify and report on energy performance.

The hierarchy provides the mechanism through which the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reduction targets 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 highlights in 2024 from the implementation of the London Plan energy policies include:

• Proposed new, referable developments to deliver a 56 per cent carbon saving over the national Building Regulations. This is a saving of over 33,100 tCO₂ per year.
• Energy efficiency measures alone (such as building fabric) to result in savings of 9,960 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to adding loft insulation to over 16,000 homes, so new homes are warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• A total of 94 per cent of developments to include solar PV, a cumulative area of around 59,500 m², ­approximately 12 Wembley football pitches, leading to approximately £16 million in new investment.  
• 90 per cent of developments in 2024 proposed the installation of heat pumps. This accounts for 20,700 dwellings which propose to use a heat pump-led heating system.
• Over 90 per cent of referable applications are meeting the GLA whole life-cycle carbon emissions benchmarks.