How to Prepare an Effective Energy Statement

🏗️ What Is an Energy Statement?

An energy statement (also called an energy strategy) is a report that outlines how a proposed development will meet national and local targets for energy efficiency and carbon reduction. It’s a key part of the planning application process—especially for new residential or commercial buildings in areas with strict sustainability policies.

To avoid delays or planning refusals, your energy statement must be accurate, policy-compliant, and easy for planners to understand. Below, we walk you through how to prepare an effective energy statement step by step.

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✅ 1. Understand the Planning Requirements

Before you start, identify exactly what your local authority requires. Different councils have different expectations, especially in areas like:

• Greater London (subject to the London Plan, which requires a 35% on-site reduction in CO₂ emissions)

• Manchester, Birmingham, and other major cities with carbon-reduction policies

• Rural authorities that may request renewable energy integration or fabric-first approaches

🔍 Check the Local Plan and speak with the planning officer if necessary.

📍 Related: When Do You Need an Energy Statement in the UK?

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🧮 2. Use Accurate Energy Modelling (SAP or SBEM)

Energy statements rely on data generated by one of two key building energy assessment methods:

• SAP Calculations – For residential developments
  Learn more about SAP Calculations

• SBEM Calculations – For non-domestic buildings
  Learn more about SBEM Calculations

These tools model your building’s projected energy usage, CO₂ emissions, and compliance with Building Regulations Part L.

You’ll need to input:

• Fabric performance (U-values, air permeability)

• Heating, lighting, and ventilation systems

• Any renewable technologies (solar PV, heat pumps, etc.)

At Assessment Hive, we include these calculations within your energy statement package to ensure full accuracy and compliance.

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📝 3. Follow a Clear, Professional Structure

Your energy statement should follow a clear structure so that planning officers can easily verify compliance.

Typical Energy Statement Structure:

1. Introduction

   • Site address

   • Description of proposed development

   • Purpose of the report

2. Policy Review

   • Relevant planning policies (Local Plan, London Plan, etc.)

   • Building Regulations Part L summary

3. Baseline Energy Demand

   • Calculated from SAP/SBEM

   • Total energy use and CO₂ emissions without any efficiency measures

4. Energy Efficiency Measures

   • Fabric improvements (U-values, air tightness)

   • Efficient systems (e.g. MVHR, LED lighting)

5. Low/Zero Carbon Technologies

   • Solar panels, air source heat pumps, district heating, etc.

   • Outputs, performance, and estimated carbon savings

6. Carbon Reduction Summary

   • Pre- and post-intervention emission figures

   • Total % reduction and policy compliance

7. Conclusion

   • Confirm how the proposal meets planning and energy targets

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⚙️ 4. Apply the Energy Hierarchy

Many councils—including those under the London Plan—follow the Energy Hierarchy:

1. Be Lean – Reduce energy demand through good design (fabric-first)

2. Be Clean – Supply energy efficiently (e.g. CHP or district heating)

3. Be Green – Use renewable energy (e.g. solar PV, heat pumps)

Make sure your energy strategy mirrors this hierarchy to align with planners’ expectations.

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🔍 5. Tailor It to Local Policy

Effective energy statements reflect site-specific and policy-specific details. Avoid using generic templates or boilerplate text.

✅ Instead:

• Include borough-specific targets (e.g. 10% renewables or BREEAM requirements)

• Reference local initiatives (e.g. air quality zones, overheating policies)

• Demonstrate your strategy’s feasibility based on site context (e.g. roof area for solar)

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⚡ 6. Include Supporting Evidence

A strong energy statement includes:

• SAP or SBEM reports (drafts are fine)

• U-value calculations or specifications

• Renewables performance data

• Photovoltaic or heat pump sizing sheets (where applicable)

Including these will reduce questions from planners and avoid delays.

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🧠 7. Get Expert Help

While some developers try to create energy statements in-house, it’s a technical document best prepared by qualified energy assessors. The risks of getting it wrong can lead to:

• Planning refusal

• Rework and redesign costs

• Delays in project timelines

Our team at Assessment Hive specialises in fast, affordable, and fully compliant energy statements for developments of all sizes.

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🚀 Need Help With an Energy Statement?

Let us take the hassle out of your planning process. We provide:

✅ SAP/SBEM modelling
✅ 2–3 day turnaround
✅ Full compliance with Part L and local policies
✅ Friendly support from qualified energy experts

📞 Call us on 020 7183 3240
📧 Email us at [email protected]
📝 Request Instant Quote → Click Here

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✅ Summary: Key Steps to an Effective Energy Statement