How can Authorities target the highest standards in energy performance for new council-led homes?

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 (April 2019 - 2020) by Helen Evans, 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.