Delivering Net Zero study, London

We teamed up with four other consultancies (Etude, Levitt Bernstein, Currie and Brown, and Inkling) on the Delivering Net Zero study. Its aim was to provide an evidence base to support emerging planning policies for 18 London boroughs that wanted to deliver net zero carbon development. 

The study reviewed two policy option routes:

• Standard energy policy — Focusing on a single metric, the percentage reduction in regulated carbon emissions using Part L 2021 compliance modeling tools

• Absolute energy targets — Using energy use intensity and space heating demand, calculated using predictive energy modeling tools

The study looked at eight different building archetypes — four domestic (terrace house, low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise apartment blocks) and four non-domestic (office, industrial, school, and hotel) across 24 different fabric and system scenarios. Each archetype was modeled under three different fabric and ventilation specifications and four different servicing options. The work builds on a previous study, extending the scope and updating it for the latest building regulations.

Regular workshops with the client team ensured a collaborative study. Modeling results and workshop feedback informed policy options, providing evidence for achievable targets with minimal capital impact. 

The study recommends that London boroughs wishing to translate their climate ambitions into requirements for new buildings seek to adopt policy option 2.

Merton and Haringey councils have published the final report and summaries.