Developers Guidance Note for the 10% Renewable

Energy Requirement

Policy CC1 of the Council’s Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document

www.spelthorne.gov.uk

Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Council approach 3

3. Improving energy efficiency 4

4. Calculating the renewable energy requirement 5

5. Assessing available renewable energy technologies 6

6. What renewable energy technologies are available 7

7. Information to submit with a planning application 11 Appendix 1

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DEVELOPERS GUIDANCE NOTE FOR THE MINIMUM 10% RENEWABLE REQUIREMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION This guidance note is for property owners, developers, architects, and surveyors to provide further information about what information they should submit to the Planning Department, in order to meet Spelthorne Borough Council’s requirements for the provision of renewable energy in developments across the Borough. 2.0 COUNCIL APPROACH 2.1 Policy CC1 of the Council’s Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document requires developments of one or more dwellings and other developments of 100m2 or greater to provide at least 10% of the energy needs from on-site renewable energy sources. 2.2 The wording of Policy CC1 is as set out below:

2.3 The minimum 10% requirement is set out in terms of the development’s energy demand and all calculations should be reported in this way. 2.4 It is appreciated that it will be difficult to calculate the minimum 10% energy requirement for outline applications, as the amount of development has not been set. However, sustainable design and the incorporation of renewable energy should still be

“The Council will support the provision of renewable energy, energy efficiency and promote sustainable development generally by:

a) requiring residential development of one or more dwellings and other development involving new building or extensions exceeding 100m2 to: i. optimise design, layout and orientation of development to minimise

energy use ii. include measures to provide at least 10% of the development’s energy

demand from on-site renewable energy sources unless it can be shown that it would seriously threaten the viability of the development

b) encouraging the installation of the renewable energy equipment to supply existing

buildings c) encouraging appropriate freestanding renewable energy schemes d) encouraging high standards of sustainable construction including the use of

recycled construction material e) encouraging developments to attain high energy efficiency and minimum impact

on the environment to at least Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 or BREEAM ‘very good’ standard.”

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considered at the outline stage. A planning condition will be applied to outline permissions, requiring that Policy CC1 is complied with at the reserved matters stage. 2.5 In terms of full planning applications, the requirements of Policy CC1 should be considered at the outset. The incorporation of renewables should form part of the design stage of a development, to ensure the most efficient and effective technologies are installed. 2.6 Planning for energy efficiency and renewable energy is more cost effective at the design stage. It is therefore fundamental that energy efficiency measures are considered at the earliest opportunity including in the design, orientation and layout and implementation of renewable energy. 3.0 IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY 3.1 Energy efficiency measures expected in new developments are controlled by Part L1a of the 2010 Building Regulations. However, the Building Regulations set out minimum building practice, and not best practice standards. 3.2 It is usually far more cost effective for development to incorporate best practice energy efficiency in new development before applying the minimum 10% renewables target. This is because incorporation of energy efficiency measures will proportionally reduce the amount of renewable energy technologies needed to meet a minimum of 10% of energy requirements. 3.3 There are a number of ways to improve energy efficiency in new developments, with measures integral to the fabric of the building being the cheapest approach to reducing energy consumption. Some of the main measures are highlighted below and should be considered at the design stage:

· Passive solar design – North/south orientation is preferred. Principle rooms should face south to maximise solar gains, but consideration should be given to overheating in the summer months.

· Using natural ventilation · Reducing space heating requirements through improved insulation levels

which exceed Building Regulation Standards · Reducing demand by utilising low energy lighting and appliances, and

efficient condensing boilers · Install responsive heating and lighting controls · Utilising landscape design to reduce energy demand · Design to ensure maximum use of natural lighting

3.4 The Government’s former Code for Sustainable Homes was a rating system which aimed to improve the overall sustainability of new dwellings across a range of criteria such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, biodiversity etc. Though the code has now been withdrawn it still provides a good basis for energy efficiency in new buildings. The code had a 6 star rating system. Code level 3 representing a 25% energy efficiency saving, over the Building Regulations, Code level 4 a 44% saving and Code level 6 was zero carbon.

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3.5 A short statement could be included within a renewable energy report, setting out which, if any, energy efficiency measures have been incorporated. 4.0 CALCULATING THE RENEWABLE ENERGY REQUIREMENT 4.1 Typical energy requirements for new development will arise from space heating, hot water, lighting, appliances, cooking and any specialist equipment for commercial uses. The Building Regulations only consider performance in terms of regulated energy, that is, energy for space heating, hot water and lighting. However, total energy consumption of the development will also include cooking and appliances as well as features such as external lighting for parking areas and heating for communal areas. Policy CC1 is based on total energy consumption. 4.2 Calculation of the energy requirement, and how renewable technologies will meet the minimum 10% target should be set out in an energy statement or as part of the renewable energy report. The total energy consumption figure should show the energy consumption of the development both before and after energy efficiency measures have been incorporated. See Appendix 1 for a simple flow diagram of the process to follow. 4.3 There are different methodologies that can be used to calculate the energy requirements of development. The Council has no preference for which methodology is used for calculating total consumption. However, some of the following methodologies and benchmarking data can be used:

• The National Home Energy Rating (NHER available at: http://www.nesltd.co.uk/)

• Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP, available at: http://www.bre.co.uk/sap2012/page.jsp?id=2759) can also be used to calculate the baseline requirements, although both of these methodologies should not be used in isolation, as they do not include calculations for cooking or appliances

• BREDEM 12 (available at: https://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=3176) is a model for estimating energy consumption in dwellings, including for space heating, water heating, lighting, electrical appliances and cooking.

The Carbon Trust also produces documents to include energy efficiency and benchmarking data including on

• Energy Use in Offices: • Saving Energy in Schools: • Energy Use in Sports and Recreation Buildings: • Benchmarking Tool for Industrial Buildings:

(Available at: https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/guides/) 4.4 All energy calculations should be expressed in kWh per year. Whilst at the international and national level carbon emissions are considered to be the most appropriate method for calculations, Policy CC1 is related to energy usage. The Council is aware that this has implications when comparing the usage from gas and electricity. However, the applicants should continue to make calculations in terms of energy - kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/yr)

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4.5 Once the baseline energy requirement is established, a minimum of 10% of this will need to come from renewable energy technologies: Total energy requirement after energy efficiency measures x 0.1. The calculations should be clearly set out, and summarised. 5.0 ASSESSING AVAILABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES 5.1 Once the minimum 10% figure has been calculated, applicants will need to decide which renewable technology is best for the site in terms of: -

(i) Ability to deliver a minimum of 10% of the sites total energy demand after energy efficiency measures have been incorporated; (ii) Ability to integrate into the development including any design issues; (iii) Cost effectiveness of technologies

5.2 Policy CC1 relates to the provision of renewable energy technologies in new development and therefore the supply of energy from a green tariff scheme does not meet the requirements of the policy. 5.3 There are a range of renewable technologies that can be considered for installation within a development. As every development site is different in terms of its orientation and other constraints, it is not possible to set out in this paper which renewable energy technologies are best to meet the minimum 10% target for a given site. Rather, it is for the applicant to explore the different types of technologies available and calculate which of these will meet at least 10% of the energy demand. Spelthorne is not prescriptive about which technologies are included within a development so long as they are capable of delivering at least 10% of the energy demand and do not cause other planning problems such as character, noise impacts or impacts to protected trees. Sections 6 & 7 highlight some of the impacts of technologies and the types of information that will need to be submitted with an application. 5.4 The energy statement submitted with a planning application (which can form part of the renewable energy report), should set out the estimated energy yield of the technology on a yearly basis, i.e. in kWh per year. This calculation can then be used to see whether the minimum 10% target has been met. It may be the case that one renewable technology alone cannot deliver the minimum 10% target, in which case it may be necessary to combine technologies. What if I think my site is not suitable for renewable energy 5.5 It is very unlikely that the minimum 10% target cannot be met. The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate why a development cannot achieve the minimum 10% target such as on grounds of site or financial viability reasons. The Council will expect clear evidence and justification to be presented on why a development cannot achieve the requirement. The Council will expect a full explanation of why the minimum 10% target would render the development unviable or that standards cannot be achieved for technical reasons. This should also include the details of any rejected options.

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5.6 Large schemes that will be built over several years will need to demonstrate a realistic viability case over the whole build period in order for the Council to consider any relaxation of the standards for those schemes, as these are the developments that will make the largest contributions to achieving the energy reduction objectives of the policy. 6.0 WHAT RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE? 6.1 The Energy Saving Trust describes renewable sources of energy as: - ‘Energy flows derived from natural forces that are continuously at work in the Earth’s environment, and which are not depleted by being used’ 6.2 There are various types of renewable energy technologies that can be incorporated into new buildings. Some of these are listed below; however, a search may reveal other technologies that are not listed below, which could have the potential to be incorporated into new development. As such the list below is not exhaustive. 6.3 The various technologies include: - · Photovoltaic Cells · Solar Hot Water · Wind Turbines · Ground Source Heat/Cooling · Air Source Heat · Biomass · Micro Hydro · Combined Heat & Power (CHP) & District Heating Photovoltaic Cells (PV) 6.4 Photovoltaic cells directly convert solar radiation into electricity. The PV cells consist of two layers of semi-conducting material, so that when solar radiation hits the cell an electrical current is produced. PV cells require daylight to work, but not direct sunlight, however the efficiency of the cells are diminished in low light levels such as on overcast days or if the cell is shaded. 6.5 PV cells can be set up to be either ‘off the grid’ or connected to the grid. Off the grid systems utilise batteries to store the electricity generated, so that it is available when needed. Grid connected systems produce electricity for a building, but export electricity to the grid in times of surplus, and in times of deficit, power can be drawn from the grid. 6.6 The optimum orientation of PV cells is within 45º of south, and can be roof mounted, roof integrated or building integrated. PV cells should be located in a position which is un-shaded throughout the day. More information on PV cells can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generating-energy/Choosing-a-renewable-technology/Solar-panels-PV

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Solar Hot Water (SHW) 6.7 Solar Hot Water systems are one of the most established forms of renewable energy technology. Solar panels or collectors utilise the suns radiation in order to heat water and there are two main types of collector, flat plate or evacuated tube. 6.8 SHW systems can either be closed or open. In a closed system, a heat transfer fluid is heated at the collector or plate and then is transferred to a hot water tank. In an open system, the water is directly heated at the collector or plate. 6.9 Generally, evacuated tube systems are more efficient than flat plate systems, and open systems are more efficient than closed systems, although they will have higher running costs due to scaling and corrosion of internal surfaces. 6.10 SHW panels or collectors should be orientated within 45º of south with an optimum roof pitch of 30º. Collectors positioned in an east-west orientation will still work, but their efficiency will drop. Collectors or panels should be un-shaded throughout the day. More information of SHW can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/heat/solar-water-heating Wind Turbines 6.11 Wind turbines are becoming more viable to integrate into new buildings. There are a variety of models and designs for stand-alone and roof mounted turbines. Wind turbines work by the blades of the turbine turning a generator, which in turn produces electricity, which can either be stored in batteries or can be exported to the grid in times of surplus. 6.12 Wind speed is critical to the performance of wind turbines. The BERR wind speed database is a useful starting point to examine speeds, but this only gives average speeds at different turbine heights above ground level. In order to fully assess wind speeds, a site wind survey should be undertaken which covers a period of at least 12 months, in order to demonstrate that wind speed at a given site can support the use of a wind turbine. Given the wind resource in Spelthorne, it is unlikely that the majority of sites could support an efficient wind turbine system in urban areas. 6.13 Noise and vibration connected with wind turbines are often a concern regarding the impact to the amenity of neighbouring property, and as such sufficient supporting information should be submitted to assess this impact. More information on wind turbines can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generating-energy/Choosing-a-renewable-technology/Wind-turbines Ground Source Heat/Cooling (GSHP) 6.14 Ground source heat/cooling works by drawing upon the solar radiation absorbed by the Earth. In the UK the ground temperature is on average 11-12ºC all year round, which is warmer than mean winter air temperature and cooler than mean summer temperatures. A heat pump extracts the solar heat from the ground and moves it to an area of lower or higher temperature.

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6.15 However, transferring heat from the ground to a building requires a heat pump, which itself requires electricity. 6.16 The efficiency of a ground source heat/cooling pump is dependant upon its coefficient of performance (CoP). The higher the CoP ratio the more efficient the pump i.e. most GSHP have a CoP of 3-4, which means that for every unit of electricity expended on the pump, 3-4 units of heat are generated. GSHP can also be used to cool a building during the summer and as such negate the need for air conditioning systems. 6.17 GSHP utilise a ground pipe system, which can either be laid horizontally or laid in vertical boreholes. Horizontal systems can require a large amount of land to accommodate the pipes; if they are sited too close together they can cause the ground to freeze. Vertical systems can be incorporated into small sites. However, a licence may be required for vertical boreholes. It is also important to ensure that GSHP systems avoid tree roots or tree rooting areas. More information on GSHP can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generating-energy/Choosing-a-renewable-technology/Ground-source-heat-pumps Air/Water Source Heat Pumps 6.18 Air/water source heat pumps are considered as renewable. The CoP ratio of air/water source heat pumps is comparable to ground source heat pumps. As with GSHP, electricity is needed to power the pump. 6.19 More information on air/water source heat pumps can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generating-energy/Choosing-a-renewable-technology/Air-source-heat-pumps Biomass 6.20 Biomass is organic material which is derived from plants or from industrial, commercial, domestic or agricultural products. It can also be termed ‘bioenergy’ or ‘biofuels’. Biomass does not include fossil fuels. Biomass products can include:

• Woody biomass, such as logs, wood chips, wood pellets and energy crops which can be derived from short rotation coppice plantations such as quick growing trees like Willow.

• Non-woody biomass such as animal waste, industrial and biodegradable products from food processing.

6.21 Biomass is considered to be carbon neutral, that is, the energy released from biomass on burning is the same as that absorbed during its production. 6.22 The most common forms of biomass technology are biomass boilers, where the fuel can be fed manually or automatically. Internal or external storage areas will be required to store biomass products.

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6.23 Any biomass fuel used for biomass boilers should be either smoke free, or ensure that it complies with the latest legislation and guidance to ensure that air quality and amenity is not adversely impacted. 6.24 Wood stoves and individual fireplaces are not considered to be forms of renewable energy technology, unless they are fitted to the energy system i.e. they contain a back boiler for general space heating and hot water requirements. More information on biomass can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/heat/biomass Micro-Hydro 6.25 Micro-hydro systems utilise running water to power a generator which in turn produces electricity. Like PV and wind turbines, hydro systems can be either connected to the grid or can be off-grid. 6.26 Micro-hydro systems need to be sited close to the point of use or to a suitable grid connection. The level of energy produced from a system is dependent upon the flow rate of water and the height that water falls (also known as the ‘head’). 6.27 If micro-hydro is considered for a river or stream, it is likely that some form of consent or licence will be required from the Environment Agency, and there may also be issues of riparian ownership. These matters should be fully explored before considering micro-hydro technologies. More information on micro hydro can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/electricity/hydro Combined Heat & Power (CHP) & District Heating 6.28 CHP can be used to generate both heat and power. Unlike conventional power stations that waste any heat generated from the production of electricity, CHP recovers this waste heat which can be used to raise steam for industrial process or which can be exported to both residential and non-residential developments for space heating and hot water. 6.29 CHP can achieve efficiencies of around 70%, compared to the efficiency of traditional gas fired power stations of around 48%. CHP systems can be run on traditional fossil fuels or as preferred biomass. There are various sizes of CHP systems ranging from single homes to whole districts and towns. 6.30 Similar to CHP, district heating can provide space heating and hot water for residential and non-residential development. 6.31 Large scale mixed use developments would benefit the most from CHP and/or district heating systems given the variable heat demands between residential and non-residential developments. 6.32 Any power generated by a CHP system could be exported to the national grid or used to serve a specific development. However, the distribution of power may have to be controlled by an energy service company (ESCO). More information on CHP can be found at: http://www.chpa.co.uk/home/home.shtml

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6.33 Information on Micro-CHP can be found from the Energy Saving Trust at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/electricity/micro-chp 7. INFORMATION TO SUBMIT WITH A PLANNING APPLICATION 7.1 The energy statement covering information on renewable resources and approach taken to the development should be submitted with all planning applications, either on its own or as part of a renewable energy report. It will not be sufficient to rely on a condition requiring compliance with Policy CC1, with renewable energy considered as an afterthought. The technologies themselves and energy efficiency should be considered as part of the planning application process, so that Officers can fully assess impact and viability. For full applications and those in conservation areas, the external plant must be shown on the elevation plans. 7.2 Other information to be submitted with an application should include: - Technology Information Required

Solar Photovoltaic Cells / Solar Hot Water

• Roof plans to show location of panels/collectors • Elevations to show location of proposed panels

Wind Turbines • Layout Plan to show location of wind turbine • Roof plan to show location of wind turbine (if roof

mounted) • Elevations to show location of wind turbine • Wind speed data (at least 12 months data) • Noise & vibration reports

Ground Source Heat/Cooling

• Identify whether pipework system is horizontal or vertical

• Layout plan to show location of pipework and trees and their potential rooting zones

Air Source Heat Pumps

• Layout plan to show location of air source heat pump

• Elevations to show location and design of air source heat pump

• Noise report (should be obtainable from the manufacturer)

Biomass

• Floor plan to show location of boiler & flue • Elevations to show flue/chimney (if applicable) • Indication of fuel type and information on

emissions (smoke) • Floor plans and elevations where applicable to

show location of fuel store (whether internal or external)

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Micro Hydro

• Layout plan to indicate location of turbine • Elevations of turbine • Letter or confirmation from Environment

Agency/riparian owner, that micro hydro generator is acceptable.

CHP/District Heating

• Location Plan (or shown on block plan if part of larger development scheme)

• Floor plans and elevations • Confirmation that system complies with any

relevant environmental standards on emissions and information on the levels of those emissions

• Fuel type to be used

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APPENDIX 1 - SIMPLE PROCESS DIAGRAM FOR MEETING THE RENEWABLE REQUIREMENT