Sadiq Khan's ambitious planning policies are enabling London to surpass national requirements for reducing energy use in new buildings. These efforts are significantly cutting carbon emissions

and promoting investment in green technologies, such as solar panels and heat pumps.

In 2023, London achieved carbon savings from proposed new buildings that were 57% higher than those mandated by national building regulations, marking a 7% improvement from the previous year.

New data also shows that London’s overall emissions have decreased by 21% since the Mayor took office in 2016, a decline notably faster than the national average.

The recently published data from City Hall underscores London's leadership in reducing energy use and emissions. The Mayor’s London Plan, which addresses the global climate crisis and the housing shortage while aiming to make London a healthier, greener city, is driving these impressive outcomes.

The Plan's net-zero carbon target, applicable to all major planning applications, has resulted in proposed new developments achieving 57% more carbon reductions than national standards require. Developers unable to reach net-zero emissions on-site are required to contribute financially to decarbonization initiatives across London boroughs.

City Hall's 2023 Energy Monitoring Report highlights the positive impact of these policies and illustrates the crucial role cities can play in cutting carbon emissions, lowering energy costs, supporting supply chains, and investing in clean technology. Key findings include:

Emissions from proposed new developments were less than half of the levels required by national Building Regulations, reducing CO2 by over 32,000 tonnes—equivalent to 27,000 return flights from London to New York.

Energy efficiency measures contributed to more than a quarter of these savings, cutting 8,552 tonnes of CO2 emissions, comparable to adding loft insulation to 13,000 homes.

84% of proposed developments, encompassing over 20,000 homes and more than 1 million square meters of non-residential space, plan to use heat pumps, primarily large, central heat pumps that supply communal and site-wide heat networks.

92% of proposed developments will include solar panels, covering a combined area of 70,000 square meters (equivalent to 14 football pitches) and representing £21 million in new solar investment.

More than 28,000 homes (91% of all new homes) will connect to communal or district-wide heat networks.

City Hall also released the London Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which tracks emissions from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The inventory reveals significant reductions in emissions:

Since Mayor Khan took office in 2016, London’s total emissions have fallen by 21%, faster than the national average reduction of 16%.

London’s emissions have decreased by 43% since their peak in 2000, even though the population has grown by 23%.

Transport emissions in London are declining faster than the national rate, with an 18% drop since 2016, compared to a 13% decline across the UK.

Since 2016, the Mayor's carbon offset policy has secured £333 million for net-zero projects throughout London. This funding will be allocated by local authorities to neighborhood projects that further reduce emissions, such as energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations in public buildings like schools and community centers.

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said: “It’s fantastic to see London leading the country in reducing emissions and that the Mayor’s ambitious planning policies are bringing down energy bills and helping Londoners become more energy efficient. 

“The Mayor has committed to making London a net zero-carbon city by 2030 and this new data shows we are progressing in the right direction. 

“Sadiq and I continue will continue to work tirelessly to help boost London’s green economy to build a better, greener city for everyone.”  

Helena Rivers, Net Zero Lead, Building and Places, Europe and India, AECOM said: “The GLA’s energy monitoring report for 2023 highlights a significant milestone, with on-site CO2 emission reductions from new development averaging 57.4% beyond national building regulation standards.  

“This progress underscores the effectiveness of the GLA’s leading London Plan policies aimed at achieving net zero by 2030, which AECOM is proud to support in their implementation.  

“The evolving policy landscape, including the Future Homes Standard and the Future Building Standard, will play a crucial role in this success.  

“As we adapt to these new policies, it is essential to maintain our momentum in meeting the GLA targets, whilst striving to ensure a sustainable future for London.”  Photo by Philafrenzy, Wikimedia commons.