Energy Statements

Most planning authorities require an energy statement when a planning application is submitted. Depending on your local authority, these reports may be called a Sustainable Construction Checklist, a Sustainability Statement, or an Energy & Sustainability Statement – but the purpose is the same: to demonstrate how your development meets local energy and carbon reduction policies.

Why Choose Build Energy for Your Energy Statement?

We have worked on thousands of construction schemes across hundreds of UK authorities. There is a very good chance we have produced energy statements for your local planning department before – which means we know exactly what each authority expects and how to frame the submission for a successful outcome.

Accuracy and speed are essential for consented schemes. We produce bespoke statements tailored to your site and local policy – never a generic template – and we always review local planning requirements before making any recommendations.

Energy statements should act as valuable, accurate working documents that inform design decisions, enable cost analysis and reduce risk. A good energy statement is not just a box-ticking exercise: it can identify savings that improve the long-term performance of your building.

SAP calculations or SBEM calculations will often form the basis of the study, and are also required to satisfy building regulations at a later stage. A typical energy statement demonstrates:

• Baseline ‘standard’ case CO2 emissions and energy costs
• Improvements to fabric efficiency beyond building regulations standards
• Low and zero carbon (LZC) energy technologies considered
• Compliance with local carbon reduction targets

There may also be unique local policies to address. Build Energy will review your requirements, speak to your planning department if required, and understand local policy before producing the report. We may find that the energy statement needs to form part of a broader sustainability statement, or comply with London Plan requirements.

What is an energy statement for planning?

An energy statement is submitted alongside a planning application to demonstrate how a proposed development meets the energy and carbon reduction requirements set by the local planning authority. It typically includes baseline energy calculations, proposed improvements to the building fabric and services, and consideration of low and zero carbon technologies. Requirements vary by council, so a bespoke approach is essential.

When is an energy statement required?

Most local planning authorities require an energy statement for new residential or commercial developments above a certain size – typically 10 or more dwellings, or commercial developments over 1,000m². Some councils require them for smaller schemes. The specific trigger depends on local planning policy, so it is worth confirming requirements early in the design process. Build Energy can advise on whether your project needs one.

What is the difference between an energy statement and a sustainability statement?

An energy statement focuses specifically on the energy performance and carbon emissions of a development. A sustainability statement is broader, covering water use, waste, ecology, transport and other environmental factors alongside energy. Some councils require both; others require a combined Energy & Sustainability Statement. Build Energy produces both types and can advise on what your authority requires.

How long does an energy statement take to produce?

Most energy statements are produced within 3–5 working days once we have the necessary design information – including drawings, building specifications, and relevant local planning policy. For projects requiring SAP or SBEM calculations alongside the statement, allow 5–10 working days. We can accommodate urgent timescales – contact us to discuss your deadlines.