This project was an incredible feat in collaboration, between Etude, Introba, Inkling, Currie and Brown and Levitt Bernstein. Between us we split a huge amount of energy and cost modelling to develop our thinking and refine the recommendations in the report.
The Delivering Net Zero study provides an evidence base to support emerging planning policies for 18 London boroughs seeking to deliver net zero carbon development. The study reviews two policy option routes:
- Standard energy policy – Focusing a single metric, the % reduction in regulated carbon emissions using Part L 2021 compliance modelling tools
- Absolute energy targets – Using energy use intensity and space heating demand, calculated using predictive energy modelling tools
This study recommends that London boroughs wishing to translate their climate ambitions into requirements for new buildings seek to adopt policy option 2.
Comprehensive energy and cost modelling was undertaken on four domestic typologies (terrace house, low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise apartment blocks) and four non-domestic typologies (office, industrial, school and hotel) across 24 different fabric and system scenarios. Regular workshops were held with the client team to take on board their views and ensure the study was carried out in close collaboration with them. The results from the modelling and feedback from the workshops sought to drive and inform policy options, providing planning officers with the evidence to demonstrate that the targets set are technically achievable with only a limited impact on capital cost.
This report supersedes the Towards Net Zero Carbon report published in 2020.
With thanks to the client team who comprised the following 18 London boroughs: Barking & Dagenham / Be First, Barnet, Camden, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Merton, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.