The design and specification of buildings plays a crucial but often overlooked role in achieving carbon reduction pledges. Some Authorities are leading the way in creating pioneering Passivhaus council homes that have been very successful. Interest in the standard amongst built environment professionals and Local Authorities is growing rapidly in light of the UK government’s Net Zero Carbon 2050 target. However, the Passivhaus Standard is yet to become mainstream.

This Practice Note explores how Officers embedded within the Council’s planning and development service can improve the quality of development and ensure that climate emergency pledges are implemented on the ground. The paper sets out an approach for officers who wish to make the case to senior leadership for targeting the Passivhaus Standard across their direct delivery housing programmes.

Drawing on research carried out during a year-long placement in the London Borough of Newham, this Practice Note sets out a series of measures that Authorities can take to deliver low energy homes. The Practice Note is accompanied by template resources including a job description for a Sustainability Lead, a draft Low Energy Design Strategy proposal and Implementation Plan and Passivhaus FAQs.