When is it needed?
Requirements depend on the authority and type of application. Westminster requires an energy statement for major development and identifies London Plan policies SI2, SI3 and SI4 alongside its local policy. Its published checklist asks applicants to explain the energy strategy and provide the calculations supporting the claimed performance. [1] [2]
For smaller proposals, check the council's current validation requirements and any relevant condition. A general sustainability statement may need to cover energy without requiring the same modelling package as a major development. Epping Forest's published requirements illustrate its separate approach to sustainability information; London-specific policy references should not be copied into an Epping Forest submission. [3]
What does the statement contain?
The document should explain the assessment baseline, the proposed design and the reductions claimed. Westminster's checklist distinguishes new construction from refurbished parts of a development and asks for supporting dwelling calculations or non-domestic energy reports where appropriate. [2]
A useful brief should cover:
- Reducing demand through the building's design and fabric.
- The proposed heating and energy infrastructure.
- Renewable energy and the space or equipment needed to provide it.
- The calculations, assumptions and reporting information supporting the strategy.
The checklist also addresses cooling, overheating and future energy demand. Treat these as connected design decisions rather than independent promises written by different consultants. [2]
Who prepares it?
An energy assessor or building-services specialist can undertake the modelling and technical strategy, coordinated with the architect and other designers. Ask the author to identify which calculations and reporting templates the planning authority expects, and who will update them as the design develops. Westminster's guidance expressly links the statement to technical worksheets and the GLA reporting approach. [1] [2]
When comparing appointments, distinguish the planning submission from later technical design and completion-stage assessment. Ask whether responses to council comments, revised calculations and coordination of plant space are included.
Planning and building regulations have different roles
Planning policy may require a statement and commitments beyond simply supplying a building-regulations calculation. The energy strategy should nevertheless use the correct regulatory baseline and explain its relationship with the proposed technical design. Westminster's checklist specifically asks applicants to identify that baseline. [2]
From 24 March 2027, the Future Homes and Buildings Standards changes generally take effect, subject to the published transitional provisions and separate timing for specified higher-risk building work. The Future Homes Standard concerns new dwellings; it should not be described as a requirement to rebuild an existing home to a new-home specification. Wider Part L and Part F changes require their own scope check. [4]
Recheck before submission
The draft new London Plan remains a proposal, with consultation closing on 15 October 2026. Keep adopted requirements separate from emerging policy and confirm the calculation basis when updating an older energy statement. [5]