Energy Hierarchy
It is recommended that planning policy for energy should be based around the energy hierarchy, as advocated in the Local Government Association's publication Energy Services for Sustainable Communities The Local Government Position (February 1999).
The energy hierarchy establishes the priority for all energy-related issues, and the planning system should reflect this prioritisation. In practice, the different elements in the hierarchy are usually considered together.
- Reduce the need for energy
- Use energy more efficiently
- Supply energy from renewable sources
To reduce a building's carbon footprint, it is important that this simple energy hierarchy is used:
Firstly, the design of the building must minimise the need for energy in its operation. This includes reducing heat loss through effective insulation, avoiding cooling requirements and improving air quality through natural, passive ventilation and utilising natural daylight for lighting.
Secondly, the operation of the building must minimise the need for energy and provide the building users with energy saving measures. Low energy light bulbs and A rated appliances are essential low carbon measures, but the behaviour of the buildings occupants is one of the most important factors in reducing global warming.
Finally, on-site renewables from any source can be considered. Displacing a percentage of an energy efficient building’s carbon footprint using onsite renewables requires considerably less technology than it would in a building where energy efficiency has been ignored. Following this energy hierarchy is the most cost effective way to obtain maximum carbon reductions in the built environment.
