Energy Hierachy

Renewable and low carbon energy technologies should be implemented as part of a broader energy strategy for a site. The energy hierarchy (see below) is a common approach to developing energy strategies. Energy efficiency is also required by Policy ENV5.

Increasing energy efficiency on a site will increase feasibility of achieving the renewable or low carbon energy target within site constraints, possibly with lower capacity technology. More stringent requirements for energy efficiency are expected to emerge in the 2010 and 2013  Building Regulations updates. Planning only needs to encourage efficiency in the interim period, as in the long term it will be a Building Control matter.

The Energy Savings Trust offers advice on efficient housing design www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/Building-Professionals.

CIBSE publishes a range of information, including Guide F: Energy Efficiency in Buildings  www.cibse.org