The Building Regulations 2010 (Part L)
Part L of the Building Regulations 2010 focuses on the conservation of fuel and power. It is divided into several Approved Documents, each targeting different types of buildings and works:
Part L1A: New dwellings
Part L1B: Existing dwellings
Part L2A: New buildings other than dwellings
Part L2B: Existing buildings other than dwellings
These documents outline the technical standards and requirements for energy efficiency, including thermal performance, energy performance certificates (EPCs), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets.
The Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
These regulations require the provision of EPCs and Display Energy Certificates (DECs), which indicate the energy performance of buildings and provide recommendations for improvement.
The London Plan
The London Plan is the overarching spatial development strategy for Greater London. The current version emphasizes the need for energy-efficient buildings and sets specific targets for reducing CO2 emissions. Key policies related to energy efficiency include:
The Mayor’s Energy Strategy
The Mayor’s Energy Strategy outlines measures to improve energy efficiency across London, including the promotion of energy-efficient technologies, low-carbon heat networks, and renewable energy.
Key Components of Part L Compliance
Target Emission Rate (TER) and Building Emission Rate (BER)
The Target Emission Rate (TER) is the maximum allowable CO2 emissions for a building, expressed in kg CO2/m²/year. It is calculated using a notional building that meets the minimum standards of Part L.
The Building Emission Rate (BER) is the actual CO2 emissions of the proposed building, calculated based on its design and specifications. The BER must be equal to or lower than the TER to comply with Part L.
Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES)
FEES sets limits on the amount of energy used for heating and cooling a building, taking into account the thermal performance of its fabric (walls, roof, floors, windows, and doors). It ensures that buildings are designed with high levels of insulation and airtightness to minimize energy consumption.
Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Technologies
Part L encourages the incorporation of renewable energy sources and low-carbon technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. Common technologies include:
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
An EPC provides an assessment of a building’s energy efficiency and includes recommendations for improvements. For new buildings, an EPC must be provided to the building owner and the local authority upon completion.
Air Tightness Testing
Air tightness testing measures the rate of air leakage from a building, ensuring that it meets the required standards for energy efficiency. Lower air leakage rates indicate better performance and reduced energy consumption.
Thermal Bridging
Thermal bridging occurs when heat transfers across building elements with lower insulation, such as corners, edges, and junctions. Part L requires the minimization of thermal bridging to improve overall energy performance.
Challenge: A leading electronics manufacturer needed to assess and improve the environmental performance of their new smartphone model.
Enviropass Solution: We conducted a comprehensive LCA of the smartphone, identifying the use phase and raw material extraction as key hotspots. Our team worked with the client to develop strategies for improving energy efficiency and material selection.
Outcome: The manufacturer achieved a 30% reduction in the product's carbon footprint and used the LCA results to support successful marketing claims, leading to increased sales in the eco-conscious consumer segment.
Challenge: A food packaging company wanted to compare the environmental impacts of their new bio-based packaging material with traditional plastic packaging.
Enviropass Solution: We performed a comparative LCA of both packaging types, considering different end-of-life scenarios. Our analysis revealed that while the bio-based packaging had lower impacts in some categories, it performed worse in others due to agricultural inputs.
Outcome: The company used our insights to optimize their bio-based formulation, resulting in a packaging solution that outperformed traditional plastic across all impact categories. This led to successful product launch and adoption by major food brands.
Challenge: A furniture manufacturer needed an EPD for their best-selling office chair to meet customer demands and tender requirements.
Enviropass Solution: We conducted a full LCA of the office chair in line with the relevant PCR and supported the development and verification of the EPD. Additionally, we identified opportunities for reducing the chair's environmental impact through material substitution and improved end-of-life recyclability.
Outcome: The manufacturer successfully published their EPD, leading to increased sales in the commercial sector. They also implemented our recommended improvements, reducing the chair's carbon footprint by 20% in the next product iteration.
An Energy Statement for planning is a detailed report demonstrating how a proposed development will meet local and national carbon reduction targets. At Enviropass, we ensure your statement outlines specific energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies, providing a clear roadmap for planners to approve your project.
Most local authorities in the UK now require an Energy Statement for planning, particularly for new builds or major conversions. Failing to provide one can lead to immediate delays or refusal; our team ensures your submission is robust and compliant from day one.
While an Energy Statement for planning focuses on carbon emissions and heat loss, a Sustainability Statement covers broader topics like water usage and materials. Enviropass provides both, ensuring every environmental box is ticked for your local planning authority (LPA).
Requirement thresholds vary by Council. However, many "Small Sites" now face stricter "green" scrutiny. We recommend a proactive Energy Statement for planning to show your commitment to Net Zero, often speeding up the approval process.
Your Energy Statement sets the strategy that your building must later achieve under Part L. By hiring Enviropass early, we ensure the promises made at the planning stage are cost-effective and physically achievable during construction.
Costs vary based on project scale, but it is a small investment compared to the risk of planning refusal. Enviropass provides transparent, fixed-fee quotes that offer high-tier technical expertise without the "big agency" overheads.
Absolutely. A well-engineered Energy Statement for planning identifies the most cost-effective way to meet targets—such as prioritising "fabric first" over expensive, unnecessary bolt-on technologies. We help you build smarter, not just greener.
To get your Enviropass quote started, we typically need your site location, a set of floor plans, elevations, and any specific planning conditions mentioned by your local council.
Standard turnaround is usually 5–10 working days, depending on complexity. If you are facing a tight planning deadline, Enviropass is known for our responsiveness and ability to deliver high-quality reports under pressure.
Yes. Modern buyers and investors prioritise energy-efficient assets. A professional Energy Statement for planning ensures your development is future-proofed, making it more marketable and compliant with future Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
This is the London Plan standard, often adopted across the UK. It involves reducing demand (Lean), supplying energy efficiently (Clean), and using renewables (Green). Enviropass specialises in navigating this hierarchy to secure planning wins.
Not necessarily, but many councils expect a percentage of energy to come from renewables. We conduct a feasibility study within your Energy Statement for planning to determine if PV, air source heat pumps, or other tech is the best fit for your site.
We use SAP (for residential) or SBEM (for commercial) calculations to compare your building’s emissions against a baseline. Enviropass uses the latest software to ensure your Energy Statement for planning meets the specific % reduction required by your LPA.
It’s difficult and usually requires a "Section 73" amendment. It is much safer to get the Energy Statement for planning right the first time with Enviropass to avoid costly redesigns later.
"Fabric First" prioritises insulation, air-tightness, and high-performance glazing. We advocate for this in our Energy Statements for planning because it’s the most sustainable and maintenance-free way to hit carbon targets.
Councils are under pressure to meet "Climate Emergency" goals. They require an Energy Statement for planning to prove your development won't hinder their progress toward Net Zero.
Yes, London requirements (GLA) are significantly more rigorous, often requiring a 35% improvement over Building Regulations. Enviropass has extensive experience with GLA-compliant Energy Statements for planning.
Planning is trickier here, as heat pumps or solar panels may be restricted. We craft bespoke Energy Statements for planning that balance heritage constraints with modern energy requirements.
Often, yes. Converting an office to residential or a barn to a home usually triggers a requirement for an Energy Statement for planning to show how the new use will be made efficient.
You need a firm that understands both the engineering and the policy. Enviropass is a leader in this niche, providing the technical depth of an engineer with the strategic mindset of a planning consultant.
Commercial and industrial units must often meet BREEAM standards or SBEM targets. We provide tailored Energy Statements for planning for the industrial sector to ensure operational efficiency.
Yes. We support developers on multi-unit sites, ensuring a consistent and cost-effective energy strategy across the entire masterplan.
If you are converting or building new heated agricultural space, an Energy Statement for planning is likely required. We help land managers navigate these specific rural planning hurdles.
Many councils stipulate a 10–20% renewable contribution. Our Energy Statements for planning include a "Renewable Energy Options Appraisal" to find the most viable solution for your specific plot.
We don't just "pass or fail" you. If the initial design doesn't meet targets, Enviropass provides expert consultancy on what to change (e.g., better glazing or different heating) to ensure a pass.
No. An EPC is a snapshot of an existing or finished building. An Energy Statement for planning is a predictive, strategic document required before construction begins.
Some progressive councils now require "Net Zero" at the planning stage. We stay ahead of the curve, helping you draft Energy Statements for planning that meet these ultra-high standards.
Usually only for very large or "over-glazed" extensions. However, a professional report can help justify your design to a skeptical planning officer.
The FHS is tightening the rules on gas boilers and insulation. Enviropass ensures your Energy Statement for planning is "future-proofed" so you aren't building a house that will be obsolete by the time it's finished.
This looks at whether your site can connect to a local heat network. Most major developments must include this in their Energy Statement for planning—we handle the technical analysis for you.
Architects are brilliant at design, but energy policy is a fast-moving technical field. Enviropass focuses exclusively on environmental compliance, ensuring your Energy Statement for planning is technically flawless.
Yes, we often speak with planning officers to clarify requirements, ensuring the Energy Statement for planning we produce meets their specific local expectations.
Yes, we cover the entire UK. While regulations differ (e.g., Section 6 in Scotland), our expertise in Energy Statements for planning extends across all UK jurisdictions.
It must be clear, evidence-based, and formatted for easy reading by planning officers. Enviropass pride ourselves on reports that are as persuasive as they are technical.
Simply contact Enviropass via our website. We'll review your plans and provide a clear, competitive proposal to get your project moving toward approval.
