Sustainability Statements

A sustainability statement covers all aspects of a planned development's environmental impact, going well beyond energy efficiency alone. If you are planning a development in an area with strict planning policies — particularly on greenbelt land or in environmentally sensitive locations — UK Building Compliance produces comprehensive sustainability statements from £350 to support your planning application and demonstrate that your project meets the highest standards of sustainable development.

What Is a Sustainability Statement?

A sustainability statement is a planning document that assesses all aspects of a development's sustainability credentials. While SAP calculations and SBEM calculations focus solely on energy performance, a sustainability statement takes a much broader view, covering environmental, social, and economic sustainability factors.

A comprehensive sustainability statement typically addresses water efficiency, flood risk analysis, drainage strategy, ecological impact assessment, transport and traffic considerations, community impact, waste management, materials selection, biodiversity, and climate adaptation measures. The aim is to demonstrate that the proposed development has been designed to minimise its environmental footprint while contributing positively to the local area.

Sustainability statements are distinct from energy statements, which focus specifically on carbon reduction targets. In many cases, both documents may be required as part of a planning application, particularly for larger or more sensitive developments.

Why Do You Need a Sustainability Statement?

Local planning authorities may require a sustainability statement as a condition of planning approval, particularly in the following circumstances:

Since 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework has stated that development of greenbelt land should only occur in exceptional circumstances. A sustainability statement demonstrating that a proposed dwelling has an extremely low carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact can support the case for planning approval on such sites.

Many local authorities have adopted sustainability policies that require evidence of sustainable design for developments above a certain size. In London, sustainability requirements form part of the broader London Plan compliance framework. Outside London, councils in environmentally sensitive areas or those with ambitious climate action plans often impose similar requirements.

Without a compliant sustainability statement, your planning application may be refused or subjected to onerous conditions. Producing the statement early in the design process ensures that sustainability considerations are integrated into your plans from the outset, strengthening your application and reducing the risk of delays.

Our Sustainability Statement Process

UK Building Compliance produces detailed, professionally written sustainability statements tailored to the specific requirements of your local planning authority.

1. Local authority liaison — We contact your local planning authority to confirm their specific sustainability requirements, ensuring your statement addresses every relevant policy and criterion.
2. Site and context analysis — We compile research on the local area, including traffic assessments, surrounding landscape and wildlife considerations, flood risk factors, and community impact elements relevant to your development.
3. Sustainability assessment — We assess your design against each sustainability criterion, covering energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials selection, waste management, biodiversity, transport, drainage, and climate adaptation.
4. Renewable energy appraisal — We outline the renewable energy options available for your development and estimate how much each technology would contribute to carbon emission reductions.
5. Report production — We produce a comprehensive sustainability statement suitable for submission with your planning application, clearly demonstrating how your development meets the required sustainability standards.

What's Included

• Comprehensive sustainability statement tailored to local authority requirements
• Liaison with your local planning authority to confirm specific policy requirements
• Water efficiency calculations and assessment
• Flood risk and drainage strategy consideration
• Ecological impact and biodiversity assessment
• Transport and traffic impact considerations
• Renewable energy options and carbon reduction estimates
• Materials sustainability and waste management assessment
• Expert advice on improving sustainability credentials
• Guide pricing from £350

Who Needs a Sustainability Statement?

• Greenbelt developments — Local authorities frequently require comprehensive sustainability evidence for developments on greenbelt land, where planning approval is only granted in exceptional circumstances.
• Developments in environmentally sensitive areas — Projects in conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, or near protected habitats often require sustainability statements.
• Large-scale developments — Many local authorities require sustainability statements for developments above a certain number of units or floor area threshold.
• London Plan developments — Sustainability requirements form part of the broader London Plan compliance framework for major developments.
• Projects seeking planning advantages — A strong sustainability statement can support planning applications by demonstrating environmental responsibility and community benefit.

Developers, architects, planning consultants, and housebuilders all benefit from professionally produced sustainability statements to strengthen their planning applications.

Why Choose UK Building Compliance?

UK Building Compliance has extensive experience producing sustainability statements for planning applications across the UK. Our team has expert knowledge of local authority sustainability policies, the National Planning Policy Framework, and the London Plan.

We offer a full range of sustainability-related services, meaning your sustainability statement can be combined with energy statements, SAP calculations, water efficiency calculations, and overheating assessments for a comprehensive planning compliance package. Our accreditations with Elmhurst, Stroma, ATTMA, ABBE, BPEC, and UKAS demonstrate our commitment to professional standards.

Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, we provide nationwide coverage with competitive pricing from £350. Call us on 01455 242297 for a free quote.