The use of the planning system to encourage low carbon energy technologies in buildings

This paper presents the key findings of a study conducted by London South Bank University for the Greater London Authority on the performance of the energy policies contained in the London Plan. These policies require developers to demonstrate how new developments within London will meet specific energy efficiency and renewable energy targets in order to gain planning permission. The study shows that 10% savings on CO2 emissions using renewable energy technologies were routinely met a year after the introduction of the policy. The study also shows that the largest CO2 savings are due to the use of combined heat and power.