Climate Planning Policy
Our climate planning policy is based on our evidence for achieving net zero carbon development in Essex at a reasonable cost. Building to the policy requirements will make sure that all homes are net zero carbon (in operation) from the outset. This means that they must be:
- ultra-low energy buildings
- fossil fuel free
- built to highly efficient energy standards
- able to meet best practice targets for space heating and energy use intensity
- able to maximise renewable energy generation to match predicted annual energy demand
Visit the Essex Design Guide website to view our full climate planning policy.
Support in meeting our planning policy requirements
We run a regular Climate Planning Policy Support group. This is open to Greater Essex local plan policy officers and climate-specialist officers. If you wish to join, email the CaPU team.
We also provide informal comments on draft local plan and supplementary planning documents in relation to climate change policy and the built environment.
Formal comments on local plan consultations are provided via our Spatial Planning team, with input from CaPU officers. For more information, email our Spatial Planning Team.