Energist - Part L Compliance Experts - Blog

Just recently, the Energist assessment team has received an increase in queries about Energy Statements (or Feasibility Studies). There’s a lot of confusion about what they are… what they show… and why they exist! So here’s a quick explanation to make things clearer:

WHAT IS AN ENERGY STATEMENT?

A growing number of planning departments in England and Wales are looking for ways of making new buildings – both domestic and commercial – more energy efficient. This is on top of what is currently called for under current Building Regulations. This trend started in the borough of Merton where all new buildings were required to show a 10% improvement over the Part L emission rate, through the use of renewable technologies. This scheme was adopted into The London Plan and has spread across the country in recent months. Merton Council has now raised the game by requiring a 20% reduction on emissions. We find most councils require a 10% reduction on emissions, some ask for the reduction to be shown in energy use instead.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘RENEWABLE’?

Energy Statements are not based on a nationwide model and councils are free to decide what can be considered renewable and what can’t. The most common forms of renewable to be considered are solar panels (for hot water), photovoltaic panels (for electricity generation), wind turbines (for rural, hilly locations), ground source heat pumps (interestingly not air source), biomass heating systems and micro CHP (combined heat and power) boilers.

HOW DO I CREATE ONE FOR MY COUNCIL?

Good news! Energist can complete your L1/L2 Calculations AND produce a thirty-page Energy Statement for your site which will comply with your council’s requirements! We will check your site against the six forms of renewable technology mentioned above and let you know which ones are feasible, if any. This information will be clearly shown in the tailored report which will be sent direct to your inbox.

For more information about this service, call Energist UK on 08458 386 387.

As part of government efforts to reduce total UK carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 60% on 1990 levels by 2050 and by at least 26% by 2020, the majority of urban councils now require an energy statement to supplement planning applications for large houses and developments, regardless of whether the construction project is new build or conversion, domestic or commercial development.

Why use Energist for your Energy Statement?

- No costly resubmissions - our reports are Local Authority accepted!
- You can be confident you are getting the right advice from our team of fully qualified accredited expert assessors!
- We save you time by liaising with Building Control on your behalf!
- No long wait with our 7 day turnaround on reports!
- 5 * customer service - no hassle, no stress, guaranteed!

Call Energist on 08458 386 387 to discuss your project or visit our website www.energistuk.co.uk