What Is an Energy Statement

What Is an Energy Statement and Why Is It Required?

If you’re planning a new build or a major renovation, your local council may ask for an Sustainability or Energy Statement. But what exactly is it—and why do planners expect to see one?

This guide explains what an energy statement covers, when you need one, and how it supports a smooth, successful planning application.

🔍 What Is an Energy Statement?

An energy statement (or energy strategy) is a technical document submitted with your planning application. It shows how your proposed development will meet national and local energy performance targets.

Your statement should outline:

Predicted energy demand
Estimated carbon emissions
Steps to reduce energy use through:
- High-quality insulation and building fabric
- Efficient lighting, heating, and ventilation systems
- Renewable technologies like solar panels and heat pumps
Evidence of compliance with policies such as:
- Local Plans
- The London Plan
- Building Regulations Part L

👉 Learn more on our Energy Statements Service

🏗️ Why Do Planning Authorities Require these Statements?

Councils use these type of statements to ensure new developments align with local and national sustainability goals. Here’s why they matter:

1. ✅ They Prove You Comply with Planning Policy

Many local authorities expect developers to follow strict energy performance requirements. For example:

The London Plan demands a 35% carbon emissions reduction beyond Building Regulations.
Other councils ask for on-site renewable technologies or low carbon strategies.

Your statement shows how your design meets these targets.

2. 🌍 They Help the UK Meet Net Zero Goals

Energy statements promote better design choices—encouraging reduced energy demand and lower carbon emissions. These reports play a key role in supporting the UK’s goal of becoming a net zero carbon nation by 2050.

3. 📄 They Support Your Planning Application

When you submit a clear and accurate energy statement, planners can assess your application more quickly. You’ll avoid delays, reduce the risk of refusal, and show your commitment to sustainable construction.

🏠 When Do You Need an Energy Statement?

You’ll likely need an energy statement if:

You’re developing a new residential or commercial building
Your project qualifies as a major development (10+ homes or over 1,000 m² of floor space)
You’re building in a London borough or another sustainability-focused area

Planning to submit SAP or SBEM calculations too? We provide:

📊 What Does an Energy Statement Include?

A professional energy statement covers the following key areas:

Section	Description
Development Summary	Location, size, layout, and design
Policy Review	Relevant energy and sustainability policies
Baseline Energy Demand	Expected energy use and CO₂ emissions
Energy Efficiency Measures	U-values, insulation, air tightness
Renewables Strategy	Solar PV, heat pumps, or other technologies
Carbon Reduction Plan	How the proposal meets targets

We build our energy statements using certified SAP or SBEM calculations to ensure accuracy and compliance.

👷 Who Should Prepare Your Statement?

You should hire a qualified professional—such as a SAP or SBEM assessor—who understands:

Local planning policy
Building Regulations
Low carbon building design

At Assessment Hive, our expert team delivers clear, compliant statements that meet the unique requirements of councils across the UK.

🚀 How to Get a Compliant Energy Statement

Our process is simple and efficient:

Send us your drawings and project details
We calculate energy demand and emission levels
You receive a full, policy-compliant energy statement within 2–3 working days

✅ Summary

An energy statement does more than tick a box for planning—it demonstrates that your development supports energy efficiency and low-carbon goals.

By submitting a clear, accurate energy strategy early in the process, you improve your chances of planning approval while helping the UK move toward a sustainable future.