Executive Summary

London Renewables, which is now integrated into the London Energy Partnership, commissioned Creative Environmental Networks (lead partner), BRE and De Montfort University to deliver training on energy efficiency and renewable energy and a pilot support service to London’s planning authorities, elected members, leading housing associations and developers between December 2004 and March 2005. The focus of the training and support provided was the integration of sustainable energy into new developments and new planning policies relating to this.

Key project achievements included the delivery of 52 training sessions, reaching:

· 27 local planning authorities and the GLA planning team (> 350 planning officers)
· 16 elected member committees (140 elected members)
· 12 London housing associations

Project Detail

The purpose of this work was to increase the understanding and receptiveness of Greater London Authority (GLA) and borough planners, borough councillors, developers (private sector and housing associations) to energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies suitable for London. The work also highlighted the energy related policies in the London Plan, similar borough policies where these exist and the London Renewables Toolkit for planners, developers and consultants, which provides a methodology and detailed information on implementing such policies.
This was achieved through three main channels:
a) Training/Information sessions provided directly to planners, elected members and housing association staff
b) Pilot support provided to borough planners and developers
c) Promotion of training on energy efficiency and renewable energy to those that currently are active in training the key audiences in London.

A number of methodologies exist for the assessment of energy performance of buildings. One such methodology is BREEAM. As part of the overall work programme, a short study was undertaken to compare and contrast the relevant policies and assessment methods for renewable energy in buildings in order to establish the measures required to make these systems compatible.

The work provided an opportunity to assess the requirement for future support for London’s local planning authorities and other parties involved in facilitating the integration of sustainable energy design and technology into new development.