2021 Energy Monitoring Report

The 2021 Energy Monitoring Report sets out the outcomes secured in 2021 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.
• 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 2021 as a result of implementation of the London Plan energy policies include:

• London Plan policy resulted in nearly a 50 per cent reduction in the emissions from proposed new developments when compared to the levels that would have been produced merely to meet national Building Regulations, equating to a saving of over 38,000 tCO₂.  
• 100 proposed developments, with over 23,000 dwellings, will use heat pumps for their heating system. This is compared to 57 developments with over 10,000 dwellings in 2020.  
• 87 per cent of developments proposed a cumulative area of around 59,000 m² of solar PV (approximately 13 Wembley football pitches), leading to approximately £16 million in new investment.   
• Over 36,000 dwellings are expected to connect to a communal heat network or area-wide district heating network. 31 communal heat networks are proposed to be supplied by heat pumps, now far ahead of those being supplied by gas-fired CHP (9).   
• 31 developments reported whole lifecycle carbon (WLC) emissions, as required by the London Plan. London is the first city in the UK to require WLC assessments for all building development types.