Background

Alan Camp Architects enlisted the support of Base Energy to carry out a detailed energy assessment for planning on the former Phoebe’s Garden Centre site, in Catford, London.

Under the proposals put forward by the client, City and Metro Limited, the land would be converted into 27 new self-contained flats within five separate blocks, over three storeys.

The story

Base Energy’s services and expertise was brought on board for planning to ensure that the development was in line with the Greater London Authority’s 5.2 Plan. This is the standard introduced in October last year which applies to all residential developments in Greater London.

In order to comply, the site would have to achieve a minimum 35% saving in CO2 emissions over Part L1a 2013, with an overall target of zero carbon, through the provision of energy efficient measures and renewable technologies.

If the 35% was not met, a cash in lieu contribution for the remaining carbon emissions (up to 100%) would be charged back to the client, meaning financial compensations were at play.

Why are energy assessments needed?

Energy assessments are a planning requirement and set out the predicted energy/ CO2 emissions of a development and identify the most suitable and cost-effective solutions and technologies required for planning approval.

The Solution

Given the scale and nature of the site, there were few constraints to the development proposals in terms of the layout, positioning and orientation of the proposed dwellings.

A review of renewable technologies indicated that Solar PV would be the most feasible solutions to meet the core strategy requirements, and this has been used for the basis of the assessment, this was incorporated with a high standard of energy efficient measures including low fabric u-values, high air tightness, a high efficiency heating system, advanced heating controls, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery and Flue Gas Heat Recovery. The MVHR combined with a very good fabric and high airtightness is a very efficient way to help contribute to reducing CO2 and ideally should be used as the basis in most cases.

Through the incorporation of the above measures, Base Energy was able to achieve a design figure of 51% reduction in CO2 emissions over building regulations for the Pheobe’s Garden Centre site, exceeding the required 35% target set out in the London 5.2 Plan.

Matthew Rosson, planning and development architect, at Alan Camp Architects, said:

“Base Energy’s team were extremely knowledgeable and professional.

“They provided the deliverables and exceeded the required targets as well as answering any queries efficiently. We enjoyed working with them and would do so again.”

About Alan Camp architects

Alan Camp Architects is an award-winning practice that specialises in residential led mixed use schemes, master-planning and bespoke design solutions.

For more information, visit www.alancamp.com/practice/