Regulation 27 of the Building Regulations 2010 (England and Wales), requires that where a new building is erected and regulation 26 applies
Not later than the day the work starts, the person carrying out the work shall give the local authority a notice which specifies-
- 1. the target CO2 emission rate for the building,
- 2. the calculated CO2 emission rate for the building as designed, and
- 3. a list of specifications to which the building is to be constructed.
Not later than five days after the work has been completed, the person carrying out the work shall give the local authority a notice which specifies-
- the target CO2 emission rate for the building,
- the calculated CO2 emission rate for the building as constructed and
- whether the building has been constructed in accordance with the list of specifications referred to in 3 above, and if not a list of changes to those specifications; or a certificate from an energy assessor who is accredited to produce such certificates for that category of building confirming compliance with regulation 26.
For dwellings the target CO2 emission rating, the calculated CO2 emission rate and the asset rating of a dwelling shall be calculated using SAP. For buildings other than dwellings the specified calculation is to be by the use of SBEM or an approved DSM.
Sustainable energy/climate change
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Sustainable Energy
What is Sustainable Energy?
How does Sustainable Energy affect me?
What is the Council doing about Sustainable Energy?
Where can I find out more about Sustainable Energy?
What is Sustainable Energy?
Sustainable energy means using energy in more efficient ways, thereby reducing the amount needed in the first place and also investing in alternative energy sources, such as renewables.
Using large quantities of energy has been cited as the cause of global warming and climate change, particularly because the majority of our energy use comes from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas.
Also, these energy sources are finite, and so the cost of using these scare resources is expected to increase in years to come, so finding alternative energy sources is important for the environment and the economy.
Energy is an important commodity, because it heats our homes, allows us to travel long distances, cooks our food, and has allowed us to attain a good quality of life. However, some people in Havering have difficulty in heating their homes. If you are having difficultly heating your home, you might be able to get help, visit our affordable warmth page for more information.
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How does Sustainable Energy affect me?
Renewable Energy – There are more and more opportunities to fit renewable energy systems to your home. Small scale solar panels, solar hot water heating and wind turbines are easily available from retail outlets and over the internet. Grants are also available to homeowners to help purchase these systems, visit the Low Carbon Buildings website for more information.
If you are thinking about installing a renewable energy system to your home, for more information on the types of renewable systems on the market visit the National Energy Foundation website for more information. Bear in mind that some systems may require planning permission, find out more directly from the Planning Service.
There are also several initiatives from the Government encouraging new developments to incorporate renewable energy and be more energy efficient. New developments in Havering must follow the Interim Planning Guidance on Sustainable Construction (PDF document) which requires a minimum of 10% of the predicted energy use of new buildings to be from renewable energy.
Buying green energy – there are now more and more opportunities to buy energy from renewable resources. A number of companies will supply renewable energy. There are also more and more vehicles available that use fuel more efficiently, or in fact use alternative forms of fuels, such as electricity, bio fuels, and so on.
Using less energy – the most important step in using energy sustainability is to reduce the amount of energy we use and use what we have more efficiently. For tips on reducing the amount of energy you use visit our Making a Difference page.
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What is the Council doing about Sustainable Energy?
To ensure the Council is using energy sustainability, the Council has developed a 
Sustainable Energy Strategy
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Where can I find out more about Sustainable Energy?
Use the "Related Links" section on the right of this page for a good range external sources of information.
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Affordable warmth
What is Affordable Warmth?
Affordable warmth is being able to keep your home warm, dry and efficient. Having a warm, energy efficient home is an important part of keeping healthy. However, many people cannot afford to keep their homes warm. But help is available.
What can I do if I, or someone I know, cannot afford to keep their home warm?
Refer them to the council Energy Management Unit
How can I keep my home warm?
Insulation, energy efficient appliances, double-glazing, etc.
What is the Council doing about Affordable Warmth?
The Council is doing a number of things to support communities in Havering is ensuring affordable warmth. Havering has a fuel poverty strategy and has to regularly report on the state of fuel efficiency in Havering through the Home Energy Conservation Act. The Council is also working with the Havering Strategic Partnership on improving Affordable Warmth in the borough through a Local Area Agreement.
Where can I find out more about Affordable Warmth?
Use the "Related Links" section on the right to find out more information.
Sustainable Construction
The UK has recently launched the Sustainable Homes Code (pdf document) which sets out voluntary standards for sustainable construction, with the aim of using this as a baseline for improved future standards.
UK building regulations have also recently improved, through the modified Part L of the building regulations. (www.planningportal.gov.uk) This means that new developments need to carry out an energy assessment and demonstrate the carbon savings they have achieved.
The Environment Agency have published their own guidance on sustainable construction as part of their powers as a statutory consultee on major planning applications.
In London, the Mayor has addressed Sustainable Construction through his Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Construction (pdf document). This sets out the expected standards of development for London.
Havering has adopted an Interim Planning Guidance on Sustainable Construction, this document can be downloaded from the link on the right of this page. This IPG sets out what the Council expects to see in new major new developments and refurbishments. This includes powering 10% of a buildings energy requirements from renewable energy.
All major planning applications must submit a Sustainability Statement and an Energy Assessment to demonstrate how they are meeting the IPG on Sustainable Construction. The IPG sets out how the Council expects this information to be presented.