What Is A Sustainability Statement?
What You Need To Know About Sustainability Statements
So – what is a Sustainability Statement? How are they different to Energy Statements and SAP Calculations? Essentially, a Sustainability Statement is a comprehensive document that covers all aspects of the environmental impact of a planned development. While Energy Statements, SAP and SBEM Calculations are only concerned with energy, a Sustainability Statement includes everything from:
- Water efficiency calculations
- Flood risk analysis
- Drainage strategy
- Community impact
- Transport impacts
- Daylight assessments
- Thermal comfort
- The sourcing of materials
- Impact on pollution
- Impact on ecology
This is not an exhaustive list of what your Sustainability Statement may cover. In addition, the report can include any other aspects of your project’s sustainability plan relevant to your planning application.
Why You Need A Sustainability Statement
Usually, Sustainability Statements are needed to undertake projects on greenbelt land. Since 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework outlines that local authorities should only allow building on greenbelt land in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, the local authority may grant planning permission to a house with exceptional sustainabilty qualities
A local authority may also request Sustainability Statements in other circumstances. For example, this is especially the case with large-scale developments.
How Are Sustainability Statements Done?
Firstly, we will contact your local authorities to find out their requirements. Subsequently, you or your architect should provide us with as much information as possible. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Floorplans
- Elevations
- Sections
- Site Plan
- Insulation type/thickness
- U-value of openings
- Specification of heating systems
- Hot water generation
- Percentage of low energy lighting
- Specification of ventilation system
- Renewable technologies
- Accredited construction details
- Flood drainage strategy
- Wider site details
- Traffic counts
- Information about how materials are sourced
- Information about the wildlife and plants in the area
Once we have assessed this information, we will write your Sustainability Statement. This document will include a comprehensive report about which sustainability options you are considering, as well as the impact they will have on cutting carbon emissions and the wider environment.
When Should They Be Carried Out?
This is dependent on your local authority’s request. However, you will often commission a Sustainability Statement at the beginning of your project in support of a planning application.
How Long Will It Take?
Usually we can put together a Sustainability Statement in 5–10 working days. However, this will entirely depend on the scope of your planned development.
What Happens If My Planning Application Is Rejected?
At we, we will do our best to provide comprehensive support and advice to help you make planning application a success. Therefore, our in-depth knowledge and range of services means your project is in the best possible hands. However, if the local authorities reject your planning application, we can offer consultation on how to improve.
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