Case Study Details

The London Borough of Merton became the first council in the to introduce a renewable energy planning policy. The Council recognised that there was a need to improve the environmental standards of the construction industry. It was therefore considered that new developments should have a positive effect upon the quality of the wider environment.

The Council now have a requirement for developers to install renewable power generating equipment into the fabric of new factories, warehouses and offices of 1,000 square metres. Planners now expect renewable energy technologies to deliver 10% of the occupants energy needs. To encourage smaller developments and businesses to adopt similar technologies, the Council has introduced a Renewable Energy Grant scheme to help finance them.