2019 Energy Monitoring Report

The 2019 Energy Monitoring Report sets out the outcomes secured in 2019 as a result of the implementation of 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. Specifically, applicants are required to demonstrate how the proposals apply the following energy hierarchy:

• Be lean: use less energy.
• Be clean: supply energy efficiently.
• Be green: use renewable energy.

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 2019 as a result of implementation of the London Plan energy policies include:

• New developments in London continue to achieve far higher carbon savings than required by national policy with developers committing to an overall carbon emissions reduction of 40.6 per cent beyond the 2013 Building Regulations.
• For a third year in a row, the zero- carbon standard is driving greater on-site carbon reductions in the residential sector, where the zero-carbon target applied.
• Through the introduction of the London Plan Energy Efficiency targets, developments achieved a 16.7 per cent reduction on average from energy efficiency measures; the highest ever.
• The London Plan is driving heat network development, which is a key component of decarbonising our energy supply, with a significant increase in the number of dwellings which are expected to connect to district heating networks.
• The use of the SAP 10.0 carbon emission factors and the London Plan policies are driving the heat pump market including supplying the heat demand of more homes.
• New solar capacity continues to increase with an encouraging 6.7MW proposed and an investment of almost £7.7 million.