How the City of London Can Become More Energy Efficient

The City of London Corporation is hoping to accelerate sustainability by approving the Planning for Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

This guideline is crafted to align developers with the stringent sustainability ambitions of the City, marking a bold stride in environmental stewardship for the Square Mile.

London's net zero ambitions

Embedded in the City Corporation's wider strategy to hit net zero carbon emissions by 2040, the SPD is informed by public opinion and consultations with experts, making it a tailor-made solution for both current and upcoming challenges.

It also propels the area towards global recognition in eco-friendly urban planning.

“The Committee’s approval of the Planning for Sustainability SPD is a major step forward for the City Corporation in pursuit of its decarbonisation goals,” says Shravan Joshi, the Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee.

“This new guidance provides transparency to the built environment sector, encouraging it to come with us on this journey.”

The guidance covers five critical themes:

• Retrofit and reuse
• Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use
• Circular economy principles
• Climate resilience
• Urban greening and biodiversity.

Retrofitting and reuse

The SPD champions a 'Retrofit First' mindset, advocating the reduction of embodied carbon by reutilising current buildings rather than constructing new ones.

This approach not only helps lessen carbon emissions linked to new construction materials but also preserves the historical and aesthetic essence of the Square Mile.

Under this guidance, new projects that fail to meet outlined benchmarks will need to incorporate additional sustainable practices.

These could include expanding energy networks, boosting public transport infrastructure or embedding innovative climate resilience measures.

Sustainable office spaces

The SPD places significant emphasis on office spaces—an integral element of the Square Mile's architectural landscape.

Here, developers are encouraged to meet the NABERS UK energy-efficiency standards; aiming for a 5-star rating for new buildings and a 4-star for retrofits.

These rigorous criteria are set to not only attract global businesses and talents but also to minimise the commercial sector's environmental footprint.

Shravan believes this initiative could have global implications.

“The City of London is home to some of the most sustainable commercial buildings on the planet... we are setting the pace globally for sustainable design, with the delivery of the next generation of new and retrofit developments,” he explains.

Circularity and biodiversity

The SPD also encourages a shift towards circular economy by urging developers to minimise waste and maximise material reuse throughout the lifecycle of buildings.

This move is expected to lessen the construction sector's dependence on traditional resource-intensive models.

Addressing biodiversity and climate resilience, the document insists developers implement measures to mitigate flood risks, manage water resources, combat urban overheating and enhance green infrastructures.

These initiatives are vital for improving air quality, supporting wildlife and promoting public health within the urban setting.

With these comprehensive plans, the City of London Corporation is not only continuing to foster economic growth but is also taking serious steps toward environmental sustainability, preparing the Square Mile to be a leading example of sustainable urban development worldwide.

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