By Laura Potts, MRTPI, Planning Consultant, CAD Architects
In June 2019, the UK government announced a target of net zero for UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It was the first major economy to do so. The UK’s 2050 net zero target — one of the most ambitious in the world — was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change, the UK’s independent climate advisory body. Net zero means any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage.
In July 2021, the European Commission adopted a package of proposals to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. And in 2022, the commission launched its second edition of the New European Bauhaus program, an initiative designed to transform the built environment into a more sustainable and socially valuable one.
As the world continues on its mission towards achieving a net zero environment, the importance of sustainable architecture continues to grow. The importance of this movement is underlined by the impact that our buildings have on the global environment. The United Nations has estimated that the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of the planet’s total carbon emissions. The goal of sustainable architecture is to design buildings that do not contribute to climate change.
We are of course seeing this reflected locally as local councils respond to the challenges of global climate change. In February 2023, Cornwall Council adopted its Climate Emergency Development Plan. This is part of the Council’s strategic Local Plan and aims to help deliver their ambitious vision of Cornwall becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
In Cornwall, all new planning applications now require consideration of the Climate Emergency Development Plan Document. This document includes specific policies relating to climate change principles (Policy C1) and Sustainable Energy and Construction (Policy SEC1).
All proposals for development are required to demonstrate how they implement the principles and requirements set out in Cornwall Council’s policy. Most notably, new residential development proposals will be required to achieve Net Zero Carbon and submit an ‘Energy Statement’ that demonstrates how the proposal will achieve:
- Space heating demand less than 30kWh/m2/annum;
- Total energy consumption less than 40kWh/m2/annum; and
- On-site renewable generation to match the total energy consumption, with a preference for roof mounted solar PV.
Where the use of onsite renewables to match total energy consumption is demonstrated not to be technically feasible (for example with apartments) or economically viable, renewable energy generation should be maximised as much as possible; and/or connection m a d e to an existing or proposed low carbon district energy network. And in cases where this too is not possible, the residual energy (the amount by which total energy demand exceeds the renewable energy generation) is to be offset by a contribution to Cornwall Council’s Offset Fund.
The same document also says all development proposals should embed the ‘Energy Hierarchy’ within the design of buildings by prioritising fabric first, then orientation and landscaping in order to minimise energy demand for heating, lighting and cooling and that all proposals should consider opportunities to provide solar PV and energy storage.
For major new non-residential developments (ie with a floor space of over 1,000m2) proposals should demonstrate how they will achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating (or an equivalent green certification methodology.)
The Cornwall Council Climate Emergency Development Plan is a landmark policy document which is having a significant impact on the way new developers approach projects. You can see the full document here. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/adopted-plans/climate-emergency-development-plan-document/
Stepping back from the specific requirements outlined in the Cornwall Council Climate Emergency Development Plan, we can see that there are a number of key themes which underpin the policy and there are many common principles informing sustainable architecture and construction worldwide.
Energy efficiency: Sustainable buildings should be designed to consume as little energy as possible. By reducing the overall amount of energy required, it becomes much more feasible to meet the needs of the building using renewable sources. So energy efficient buildings will include very effective insulation and high performance windows. They will typically employ modern HVAC systems: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that use smart technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in the building.
Built using sustainable materials: These are materials that have a minimal impact on the environment and are non-toxic. They should also be produced using sustainable methods. An example is timber, which is renewable, bio-degradable and absorbs carbon dioxide. Concrete is another material which consumes relatively small quantities of materials and energy in its use in construction and requires little or no maintenance throughout its life.
Energy from renewable sources: A sustainable building should generate all of its energy from renewable sources. This could include solar panels and wind turbines, as well as other forms of renewable energy such as ground source heat pumps or air source heat pumps and renewable biofuels. This strategy is becoming more practical as the costs of alternative energy technologies decrease and the costs of traditional fossil fuels increase.
Waste: Taking steps to minimise the waste of materials used in the construction of a building is good for the environment – but it also makes good business sense as well. Modern developments in lean building techniques are helping to drive down material waste and make the whole process more efficient.
Water conservation: The amount of water wasted can be reduced by the use of modern technologies, such as low-flow systems. Rainwater can be harvested to reduce the demand on municipal supplies. Water-efficient landscaping can control the level of run-off. Well-designed buildings have been demonstrated to reduce water consumption by 30%.
As well as mitigating climate change, sustainable architecture has many other benefits.
⦁ Although sustainable buildings can have higher construction costs, they have lower running costs that traditional buildings because they consume less energy. They can also give owners some protection against volatile fluctuations in energy prices.
⦁ Sustainable buildings can create healthier living environments, through features such as non-toxic materials and the use of modern ventilation systems. All this can have a positive impact on the well-being of the occupants.
⦁ With their durable, airtight construction and modern ventilation systems, sustainable buildings are low maintenance and easy to keep clean. No moisture means no mould or water damage.
⦁ Because of their detailed planning and the use of state of the art materials, sustainable buildings can be highly resilient and durable, with many years of useful life before any upgrading is needed.
⦁ Interest in sustainable buildings is steadily growing, but for the foreseeable future demand is likely to outstrip supply. This means that a well-designed sustainable building is likely to offer an excellent return on investment.
Net zero and the requirement for sustainable architecture will continue to be a strong trend shaping the future, both in housebuilding and in the commercial property sector.
For a no-obligation discussion as well as guidance about the Cornwall Council Climate Emergency Development Plan, get in touch with us at info@cad-planning.co.uk