What does this mean for future developments?
Over the past year, Whole Life Carbon has become an increasingly important metric in the determination of planning applications – with carbon driving the review of high-profile projects such as the M&S Oxford Street demolition and the proposed Tulip tower.
As the formal incorporation of the WLC Optioneering draft Planning Advice Note into the Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document approaches, it is certain building projects across London will continue to face intense carbon scrutiny. London’s carbon guidance often sets a precedent for other councils outside of the capital and it is only a matter of time before WLC optioneering will be required for major developments across the country.
This requirement, if implemented nationally, would require the industry to think about how to make the most of existing buildings. In the UK, it is estimated that 80% of the buildings we will need in 2050 have already been built. As we aim to minimise emissions, it is crucial we work to retain, retrofit, refurbish and repurpose these assets. Demolition should be the last resort.
The importance of getting it right
WLC assessments are a growing and imperfect science – where results can vastly vary depending on scope, assumptions, assessment methodologies, and even the experience of the assessor.
Carrying out carbon calculations at pre-application stages, when limited design data is available, introduces an additional level of complexity. It is, however, at these early stages that optioneering studies can have the biggest impact.
Ensuring WLC assessments are representative of proposals is crucial to encourage responsible decision-making and safeguard the credibility of clients and consultants alike.
