The Scottish Government

« Previous | Contents | Next »

Listen

PLANNING: INCORPORATING LOW & ZERO CARBON EQUIPMENT

34 To move to a low carbon economy, more clean energy must be created to produce heat and electricity in buildings. The policy target in SPP6, re-stated overleaf, encourages opportunities for incorporating low and zero carbon equipment to be fully explored by developers as part of the planning application process.

" all future applications proposing a development with a total cumulative floorspace of 500 square metres or more should incorporate on-site zero and low carbon equipment contributing at least an extra 15% reduction in CO₂ emissions beyond the 2007 building regulations carbon dioxide emissions standard."

All Future Applications

35 SPP6 was issued in March 2007. For planning applications submitted after this date, the SPP is a material consideration which planning authorities should take into account in their determination. The SPP is likely to be particularly important where there are no up-to-date development plan policies in place ( SPP6 paragraph 45).

Development

36 The term 'development' refers to that defined by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 which can be measured by the software programs, SAP and SBEM. The section 'Calculations & Worked Example' provides further information on these software programs.

37 The policy cannot be applied to a 'change of use'. This is because a 'change of use' in planning terms equates to a 'conversion' under the building regulations. The CO ₂ emissions standard does not apply to a 'conversion' under these regulations. The 'conversion' would therefore not have to be considered for compliance with SAP or SBEM. As there is no baseline for measurement an assessment of compliance with the planning policy also cannot also be made. Nevertheless planning authorities may seek to secure inclusion of LZC equipment in change of use proposals through the inclusion of appropriate policies in development plans.

Cumulative Floorspace of 500 sq m or More

38 A development of over 500 square metres may contain more than one dwelling or building, such as a block of flats or a housing development, in which the aggregate floor area of all the proposed dwellings exceeds the threshold. The policy target is a material consideration for developments exceeding this threshold. The section 'Calculations & Worked Example' provides guidance on calculations where there is more than one building.

On-site

39 The equipment may be attached to the building or within the site boundary as shown on the planning application. This allows for the LZC equipment to benefit more than one building and being sited to maximise energy gain.

Zero and Low Carbon Equipment

40 Low and zero carbon ( LZC) equipment comprises a broad range of technologies. It incorporates both micro-generation and micro-renewable technologies, including some fossil fuels.

Figure 1. Definitions

41 LZC equipment provides flexibility in that equipment can be chosen to suit different circumstances and purposes. The target also allows for reductions in CO ₂ emissions to be achieved by a single measure or by two or more in combination. Figure 2 below identifies eligible LZC equipment.

Figure 2. LZC Equipment

Extra 15% Reduction in CO ₂ Emissions Beyond the 2007 Building Regulations Carbon Dioxide Emissions Standard

42 The planning policy uses the building regulations CO ₂ emissions standard as a baseline for calculating the percentage reduction. However, the planning policy is a separate requirement to the building standard.

43 The applicant has to provide the necessary information to demonstrate that
the proposal complies with the policy target when submitting a planning application or discharging a planning condition. A statement should include an indication of the LZC equipment being incorporated and a table of the results of 5 calculations, as in Figure 3. Figure 4 summarises the calculations and process. The section 'Calculations & Worked Example' provides more detailed technical information on the required calculations alongside worked examples.

44 Generally, planning authorities should be able to accept the calculations provided by the applicant in the same way as other information, such as the proposed materials, are accepted. It is not expected that planning officers will carry out the calculations.

45 The 5 calculations are necessary to establish that not only does the proposal meet the target percentage reduction in CO ₂ emissions but that the target percentage reduction is specifically achieved through the incorporation of LZC equipment.

Environmental Performance Assessment Methods

46 Methods of assessment are available which describe a building's environmental performance, for example BREEAM¹ and EcoHomes. These methods consider a broad range of environmental concerns (including energy, transport, pollution, health and well being), some of which are optional, to arrive at an overall score. This makes the methods very flexible for designers.

47 The policy target in SPP6 however, is specific to CO ₂ emissions from the energy performance. The assessment approach in this guidance therefore relates directly to this. Given the differences, it would be inappropriate to provide equivalent performance levels for the alternative methods in this PAN.

48 Local authorities should detail in their policies any alternative or substitute methods of assessment. In the absence of any methodologies set out in such guidance, weight should be given to this PAN in decision making.

Figure 3. Example Calculations to be Submitted to the Planning Authority.

1 Varies with building type, form, geometry etc.
2 kgCO ₂/m2/annum.

Figure 4. Summary of Calculations and Process

Technical Constraints

49 It will be exceptional to find that all types of LZC equipment are technically constrained on a site. Examples of technical constraints that may limit the application of LZC equipment are listed below, however, this is not exhaustive. On their own, financial considerations do not constitute a technical constraint.

• Areas where the supply of natural energy sources may be obstructed by another building or structure (e.g. over-shadowing or wind-screening).
• Areas where space is limited for: storage (e.g. for wood pellets); transport/delivery of fuel; or space for pipes.
• Locations which restrict particular emissions (e.g. air quality management areas).
• Locations with an unsuitable type of ground or building for the location of the equipment.
• Buildings with limited roof/wall areas or angles suitable for the equipment.

50 Information on the issues relevant to particular technologies can be found in related Planning Advice Notes:

• PAN 45 Renewable Energy Technologies (2002): for micro-hydro.
• PAN 45 Annex, Planning for Micro-Renewables (2006): for micro-wind, solar, heat pumps and biomass.

Policy Constraints

51 Whilst not specifically referred to in SPP6, constraints may also be imposed by other material considerations, such as designations which require stricter management, for example built heritage designations; listed buildings or conservation areas.

52 These constraints should be considered in relation to the merits of individual applications. Judgement will be required in ensuring that the policy target is to be applied in a way which does not compromise the reason for designation. Planning authorities should also identify whether the principle of making equivalent carbon savings elsewhere could apply in these situations.

Equivalent Carbon Savings Elsewhere

53 Provision of equivalent carbon savings elsewhere in the area will apply where the planning authority agrees that there are technical constraints to achieving the emissions reduction target on-site. These should normally be secured by a Section 75 Legal Agreement and may involve the installation of equipment on another site or building, offsetting (e.g. planting trees) or payment into a local authority fund which is used to reduce carbon emissions.

54 The amount of carbon emissions to be saved elsewhere will be 15% of the 2007 building regulations CO ₂ emissions standard, the Target Emissions Rate, for the application site. This is established using the programs detailed in the section 'Calculations & Worked Example', which can also be used to measure the emissions at an alternative site.

« Previous | Contents | Next »