Renewable Energy Statements – The ‘Merton’ Rule

There are over 170 local planning authorities that have or are in the process of bringing in policies that will require a percentage of annual site energy requirements for new development to be generated by on-site renewable/sustainable energy sources. These policies vary in magnitude (10% being the most common figure, but higher figures have been brought in), scope (some focus on annual energy demand, others on annual carbon emissions) and technologies permitted, but they have all evolved from work undertaken by the London Borough of Merton, hence this type of policy is often known as the ‘Merton’ Rule.

What does a Renewable Energy Statement involve?

1. Using site plans, drawings and any relevant additional information, an analysis is carried out and the baseline energy requirements of the building/s is calculated
2. All renewable technologies are considered and the feasibility of each reviewed including the likely installation and running costs, CO2 emission savings, maintenance issues and aesthetics
3. Recommendations are provided in the conclusion to the final report and this also indicates how much the suggested renewable technology/ technologies will reduce baseline carbon emissions
4. The whole report is designed to be understood and easily interpretable by both developers, planning officers and the general public