To help tackle the climate emergency, the London Mayor has pledged to deliver a Green New Deal for the city – the target is to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Sadiq Khan has also been hugely ambitious in his new London Plan, seeking net zero carbon for all major developments which will need to monitor and report on energy performance for at least five years to identify good practice.

There is already a raft of national and devolved strategies in place which will shape London’s new residential schemes in the face of climate change. But given the cumulative pressures on the building industry to play its part, what other policy measures could be introduced to the mix over the next few years?

• Passivhaus Passivhaus homes aim to eliminate or significantly reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling which means greater carbon reductions from development. Could we see this, or an equivalent certification, become the minimum level for planning consent?
  
  
• The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Compulsory since 2010 and widely regarded as world leading, this has slashed CO₂ emissions from buildings within Australia by 7 million tonnes, saving NABERS users AU$1 billion (£540 million) on their energy bills. Could something similar be used to track in-use energy performance here rather than just at design-stage only?
  
  
• Single agreed credentials across the industry to meet green funding requirements could also be the way ahead.
  
  
• Demolition vs re-use Strict assessments may be introduced to determine the relative benefits of re-using a building over starting afresh.
  
  
• Flood protection We may see standards beginning to be geared at a much higher level as flash floods become more regular and devastating.

Large, complex sites will see many changes to regulations between now and when residents start to move in. Going above and beyond current requirements isn’t just good for the environment, it will also help mitigate the risk of disruption to developers’ businesses further down the line and could unlock access to better finance terms and more attractive pricing.

Savills recognises real estate is responsible for 40 per cent of carbon emissions and, to coincide with COP26, it is launching its latest research examining how the sector is adapting to meet climate change challenges. Savills is committed to achieving net zero carbon in its operation by 2030. Through Savills Earth it brings together the expertise of more than 100 specialists to support and advise clients on their sustainability, energy and carbon strategies. Visit Savills Earth to find out more.

Further information

Contact Tom Hill or Katy Warrick

ESG regulation timeline and art of the possible