Net Zero Carbon Development Plan
(2) 6 Reducing Energy Demands: Energy Efficient Buildings
Policy NZC2(A) Making buildings energy efficient
Using the most up to date Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) developments should demonstrate improved energy efficiency in design and operation of 75% over and above 2013 building regulations standards.
Measurement of energy efficiency performance and carbon emissions should be carried out in accordance with the performance metrics set out in the Government's response to the Future Homes Standard consultation (January 2021) or any subsequent set of metrics required through the Building Regulations.
To demonstrate the validity of the energy efficiency performance, proposals will be required to provide certified energy performance through a nationally recognised building standard.
Certification to a nationally recognised standard to demonstrate the predicted energy performance across the entire development should be provided as part of any reserved matters application, full application, Section 73 application or section 96a (non material amendment) application, to evidence the passive and energy efficient design for building performance.
To ensure the performance gap between design and construction is minimised, applicants will be required to demonstrate, prior to occupation, that building performance on completion has been tested through the most up to date Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and that any energy efficiency performance gap between design and construction is identified and the resulting additional carbon emissions are calculated. Where this results in additional carbon emissions over and above those identified in the design, Policy NZC2(D) will apply.
6.1 The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the methodology used by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings.
6.2 The energy efficiency of buildings has a significant part to play in achieving the Council's net zero aims, but it also carries wider benefits for consumers and the country at large. We know that, in addition to reducing CO2 emissions, energy efficient homes minimise energy bills, provide healthier and more comfortable environments to live in, and ensure that we are making the best use of energy resources which in turn will help facilitate a faster transition to low carbon energy sources for all.
6.3 As a District that can demonstrate levels of development viability that can accommodate energy efficiency measures that go beyond the 2021 Part L building regulations, Policy NZC2 requires developments to achieve building performance that is broadly consistent with national ambitions as set out in the proposed Future Homes Standard to be introduced in 2025.
6.4 To provide clarity, consistency and confidence in the way energy efficiency measures and resulting carbon reductions are incorporated and calculated in developments, developers are required to use a certified building performance standard. The policy is not prescriptive about which standard is used as long as the certification provided by the scheme is widely recognised and can demonstrate that energy efficiency standards have been incorporated in to the design to deliver improvements of at least 75% over and above 2013 building regulations standards. Examples of certified standard may include Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) Standard; Passivhaus; BREEAM Outstanding. The Council will provide guidance on appropriate standards.
6.5 To demonstrate compliance with this policy, development proposals should provide data that is consistent with the building performance metrics set out in the Government's response to the Future Homes Standard consultation (January 2021) or any subsequent set of metrics required through the Building Regulations. At the time of drafting this policy, this requires four metrics to be provided:
i) Primary energy target
ii) CO2 emission target
iii) Fabric energy efficiency target
iv) Minimum standards for fabric and fixed building services.
The use of these metrics will ensure consistency and clarity in the way data is collated and set out.
6.6 The approach focuses on a fabric first methodology to ensure the maximum benefits of passive and low energy design and technology can be achieved. This serves to reduce energy demand and minimise lifecycle cost.
6.7 In addition to the requirements of this policy, proposals for dwellings may wish to consider how to make best use of site orientation, building form, layout, landscaping and materials to maximise natural light and heat, whilst avoiding internal overheating by providing passive cooling and/or mechanical ventilation, thus reducing potential overheating and reliance on air conditioning systems.
6.8 For sites under 10 dwellings, all dwellings will be expected to be tested through the most up to date SAP to demonstrate the performance gap between design and construction. For sites of over 10 dwellings where standard house types are used, a sample of at least 20% of all dwellings (and including all house types) shall be tested through the most up to date SAP to demonstrate the performance gap between design and construction.
