£15.00 PlanningGuidanceon Supplementary Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Sustainable Buildings Westminster Council City

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings © Westminster City Council 2003

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Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings

Westminster City Council working in partnership with Entec UK Ltd

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council ii

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First Edition, March 2003

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Westminster City Council, Department of Planning and Transportation, and Department of Environment and Leisure, City Hall, 10th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP. Tel: 0207 641 2457

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council iii

Contents

Page

Section 1 Introduction 1 Why have sustainable buildings? 2 Westminster's heritage 3 Structure of this SPG 4 Sustainability in small scale / domestic buildings 5

Section 2 Relationship to Unitary Development Plan Policies 7 Unitary Development Plan 8 Planning applications 9

For the following sections, refer to the first page of each section for a summary of contents. Section 3 Design 11 Section 4 Energy 19 Section 5 Air 33 Section 6 Water and Drainage 39 Section 7 Land, Landscape and Wildlife 47 Section 8 Transport 55 Section 9 Waste 59 Section 10 Materials 65 Section 11 Noise 71 Section 12 Site Practices 75

Appendix A Advice to Applicants 80 Appendix B Related Supplementary Planning Guidance 85 Appendix C Glossary 86

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council iv

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 1 1 Introduction Why have sustainable buildings? Benefits

Westminster's heritage

Structure of this SPG

Small scale / domestic buildings

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Section 1 Introduction

How can sustainable The guidance covers the lifecycle Why have buildings be achieved in of a building project from initial sustainable concept, detailed design and Westminster? construction, through to operation buildings? Westminster is a world class and in certain cases, Buildings contribute to over 50% decommissioning. The Design city with immense pressures of total CO2 emissions in the UK section (Section 3) sets out the and produce 72.5 million tonnes of on existing land and basic principles of sustainable waste. Materials used in the resources. This guidance design and Sections 4 to 12 provide construction industry consume provides practical advice on more detail on key issues, e.g. over 90% of non-energy minerals1. Energy, Air, Water and Drainage, how sustainable buildings - Within this broader context, the Land, Landscape and Wildlife, large or small - can be built in City Council recognises that new Transport, Waste, Materials, Noise ways of designing and operating Westminster. and Site Practices. In all cases the buildings are necessary to achieve emphasis is on practical solutions greater sustainability within a high that will enable the environmental quality environment. Furthermore, performance and quality of design buildings that incorporate of buildings in the City to be sustainable design are healthy, improved. safe and productive places for The focus in this guidance is on people to live in, work in and visit. environmental sustainability, Sustainable design is also cost- although this is often interlinked effective, particularly in a building's with social and economic benefits. Other aspects of social and economic sustainability such as 1 Building a better quality of life - community safety, affordability, A strategy for more sustainable employment opportunity and construction (2000), DETR. transport are dealt with comprehensively by other City Council strategies and policies (e.g. Westminster City Plan, Community Safety Plan and the Unitary Development Plan). In order to avoid duplication, these have not been addressed in detail in this guidance. But where appropriate, cross-references have been included.

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CO2 emissions are believed to be a significant Environment contributor to climate change ● Reduced life cycle impacts ● Less waste

● Less energy use

● Better water quality & drainage

● Improved air quality

● Enhanced biodiversity

Economic

● Economic instruments, such as Landfill Tax, Aggregates Tax, Climate Change Levy

● Lifestyle marketing

● Reduced fuel bills

● Longer building life

● Enhanced corporate reputation

● Increased affordability

Westminster's heritage The City of Westminster constitutes one of the most operational phase. Account must Benefits important and varied urban areas be taken of lifecycle analyses of in the country. With notable products and materials where exceptions, such as Westminster these are available. For these and Health Abbey and St. Stephen’s Hall, the many other environmental, social ● visible fabric of the City is mainly and economic reasons the City Healthier living and work places post-mediaeval, although it is Council has made sustainable ● Better air flow and circulation planned around ancient development a central policy internally framework for its Unitary ● Warmer in winter Development Plan. ● Cooler in summer This SPG is a ‘material consideration’ in determining ● Less toxicity in building planning applications. Key materials considerations form part of the Environmental Performance Amenity Statement (Annex 9.1) of the Unitary Development Plan (see ● Better design Section 3, Advice to Applicants). ● Fit in with the needs of the local Use of this guidance will facilitate community your planning application process, but there are further benefits ● Greener built environment (see right).

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Structure of this SPG This SPG note is set out under sustainable building topic areas, e.g. design, water and drainage, air. Under each topic area the following information is provided:

● Objective Information relevant to all development types, elaborating UDP policies.

● Sustainability context Summarising the ways in which developments can affect sustainability. thoroughfares and has a rich (Westminster Abbey) and 53 ● Sustainability solutions archaeological inheritance. conservation areas covering Information on sustainable Development over the past 300 around 76% of the City. design and technology, years has left an historic technical information on the Westminster City Council townscape that ranges from the different approaches and their considers that sustainability and major public buildings of benefits. international importance and the heritage are mutually compatible ● Case studies great commercial buildings and strategic planning objectives for Examples of good and best theatres of the West End to the the City. Indeed many of the city’s practice that are relevant to historic suburbs of Regent’s Park, heritage buildings are enduring Westminster. St. John’s Wood, Bayswater and reminders of the need for sustainable, long term building Pimlico, to the 18th century ● Signposts houses of Soho, the mansion solutions. These buildings and To sources of more detailed blocks of Maida Vale and the major Conservation Areas are held in supporting information. philanthropic developments such stewardship for all. While there are as the Queen’s Park Estate and limitations on the range of design Millbank. Some areas of the City and material types that will be such as Pimlico and the terraces appropriate in the City this should around Regent’s Park have not detract from the many remained virtually unchanged opportunities for innovative since their original construction. sustainable design that exist. Signposts enable you to assess Others, such as Mayfair, Soho and As the case studies at the end of the appropriateness of specific Covent Garden, have been each section demonstrate, materials and techniques, and continuously redeveloped technologies and design solutions help to find sources of producing a varied urban grain of do exist that can be applied in additional advice and suppliers great character. Westminster to achieve more of materials, equipment and efficient buildings. services. It is no surprise, therefore, that Westminster has 11,000 listed buildings, a World Heritage Site

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Sustainability in small scale / domestic buildings If you are undertaking a small renovation or DIY project on your own home, not all aspects of the SPG will be applicable. The following table assists you by pointing you directly to sections relevant to small scale, and particularly residential, proposals.

Tasks Topic Page References

Building an extension Design Building orientation (p.14); windows & ventilation (p.14) Energy Insulation & windows (p.21); lighting (p.22) Materials Windows, paints (p.68) Waste (p.61 to 62)

Converting a loft Design Windows & ventilation (p.14) Energy Insulation & windows (p.21); lighting (p.22) Materials (p.68) Waste (p.61)

Building a conservatory Design Building orientation (p.14); windows & ventilation (p.14) Energy Insulation & windows (p.21); lighting (p.22) Materials Windows, paints (p.68)

Replacing your heating Energy Insulation (p.21); central heating systems and insulating system pipework (p.24)

Decorating your home Materials Re-use and recycle (p.67); low lifecycle impacts - windows, flooring, paints (p.68) Waste (p.61)

Improving your garden Water Rainwater harvesting (p.42); water recycling (p.42) Landscape Habitat creation and protection (p.49); built and vertical & Wildlife habitats (p.49); low water use & low maintenance (p.51); low impact materials (p.51) Materials (p.67 to 68) Energy Lighting (p.22) Waste (p.61 to 62)

Refitting kitchens Design Windows & ventilation (p.14) and bathrooms Energy Insulation & windows (p.21); residential (p.24) Water Water saving devices (p.41) Materials (p.68)

Replacing your windows Design (p.14) Energy (p.21) Materials (p.68)

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Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 7 2 Relationship Unitary Development Plan Planning applications to Unitary Development Plan Policies

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Section 2 Relationship to Unitary Development Plan Policies

Unitary Development Plan

This Supplementary Our first UDP was adopted in July Policy SC 21 ‘Green buildings’ in Planning Guidance note 1997. The adopted UDP is under Chapter 10 ‘Standards and (SPG) has been produced to review and a replacement UDP Controls’ of the adopted UDP, and was agreed for public consultation Policy ENV 1 ‘Sustainable and supplement policies in the (“second deposit”) on 29 October resource-efficient buildings’ in Unitary Development Plan 2001. Public consultation was held Chapter 9 ‘Environment’ in the (UDP) by providing January-March 2002. A public local replacement Plan. This policy additional information on inquiry was held from October states: 2002 to March 2003. how to achieve sustainable buildings in Westminster.

POLICY ENV 1 : Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Buildings (A) The City Council will encourage and in specified cases require developers to consider sustainable design principles and to complete the sustainable buildings parts of the Environmental Performance Statement (EPS) in Annex 9.1.

(Aa) In considering planning applications the City Council will expect the efficient use of energy and other non-renewable resources through careful orientation, design, choice of materials, equipment, and landscaping.

(B) In new developments, the City Council will encourage the use of natural ventilation and lighting, effective energy conservation, and thermal and acoustic insulation, to conserve energy and reduce noise and air pollution.

(Ba) The City Council will encourage the use of renewable energy installations that achieve good design solutions, particularly in sensitive areas, and that avoid detrimental effects on the surrounding area.

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Other relevant policies are found ● ENV 9 Light pollution Planning applications in Chapter 3 ‘Transport’, Chapter 9 ● ENV 10 Waste management ‘Conservation and Design’ and The use of this SPG in the pre- Chapter 10 ‘Standards and ● ENV 11 Waste and recycling application stage, before detailed Controls’ of the adopted Plan and storage design has been undertaken, is Chapter 4 ‘Transport’, Chapter 9 positively encouraged by the City ● ENV 12 Protecting amenities, ‘Environment’ and Chapter 10 Council. Early consideration of daylight, sunlight and ‘Urban Design and Conservation’ in sustainable design and environmental quality the replacement Plan. construction issues will improve the sustainability of the proposed ● ENV 13 Metropolitan open Regard should also be given to development. A Sustainable land, public and other supplementary planning Buildings checklist has been private space guidance notes published by the developed as a tool to guide you City Council. These are listed in ● ENV 14 Trees and shrub cover through the topic areas of this SPG Appendix B. (see Appendix A, page 80). ● ENV 15 Nature conservation The City Council also produces and biodiversity For the purposes of complying with planning briefs for large or UDP policy ENV 1, applicants significant sites in the City. These The Environmental Performance should demonstrate to the City set out clearly the issues that the Statement which must be Council how their proposal meets Council considers important in submitted with planning the objectives of this SPG. The relation to the site such as the applications incorporates level of supporting submission will appropriate mix of uses and elements of this SPG along with vary according to the scale of the townscape and design other policy requirements of the proposal. constraints. Sustainable building Environment Chapter in the UDP issues will be addressed in (see policy ENV 2 and Annex 9.1). This SPG goes beyond the planning briefs. Further information is included at provisions of the UDP, providing Appendix A - Advice to Applicants guidance and examples of ways This SPG does not focus on the (page 80). that sustainable design principles regulatory policies of the UDP can be incorporated into which are set out in policies Sustainable design and development proposals. The SPG ENV 3 - ENV 13. Its purpose is to construction is also a priority for is not intended to be prescriptive, give detailed guidance on policy the Mayor of London as but to encourage innovation by ENV 1 - Sustainable and resource articulated in the Draft London raising awareness of available efficient buildings. Policies ENV 3 - Plan (see Policy 4B.6). methods and technologies. ENV 13 set out the City Council’s It focuses on practical and cost- standards for developments that effective solutions that are relevant must be met in relation to: to the Westminster setting.

● ENV 3 Vacant land Further information on assessment ● ENV 4 Planting around requirements including the and on buildings Environmental Performance Statement and Independent ● ENV 5 Air pollution Evaluation, can be found on page ● ENV 6a Noise pollution 80 of this SPG. Appendix A also includes the Sustainable Buildings ● ENV 6b Controlling noise Checklist - the checklist from plant, machinery summarises the key elements of and internal activity each chapter and is intended ● ENV 7 Contaminated land primarily as a tool at the design stage. ● ENV 8 Water quality and conservation

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Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 11 3 Design Objective Sustainability context

Design process

Summary

Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 3 Design

Objective To address sustainable building principles from the earliest concept stage through to detailed design and construction

Sustainability Design process context Achieving improvements in design The design phase (from inception and performance of buildings through to detailed design) is requires a collaborative approach. critical for achieving improved Rethinking Construction is the sustainability performance in construction sector programme to buildings. It is during this phase innovate and improve performance that the opportunity to influence covering economic, social (respect building form, layout and materials for people) and environmental is greatest. Early consideration of performance. Developing sustainability issues is the best partnerships is an important way to ensure that benefits to aspect of this including overall design, environment and considering linkages between the users can be achieved cost- development and the wider effectively. Attempts to incorporate community. The INTEGER sustainability performance into a (Intelligent and Green buildings) poor design are often costly and project provides good examples of inelegant. integrating community development and education within This section should be read in the context of buildings and conjunction with UDP policies on construction. Urban Design and Conservation (Chapter 10) and Environment The City Council encourages this (Chapter 9). In addition, the SPG approach to improving the design note ‘Design Matters in and life-time performance of Westminster’ and the SPG note buildings and ensuring the ‘Repairs and Alterations to Listed buildings fit within their existing Buildings’ provide further detailed setting. guidance and advice. Other relevant SPG notes are listed in Appendix B. The Mayor’s London Plan also relates.

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Summary The following design team decisions will fundamentally affect the ability of any development - new build or refurbishment - to deliver a more sustainable building. Principles of sustainable design and construction are also good urban design principles. You should not rely on specifications of sustainable building materials or engineering prepared at a later stage to overcome basic flaws in concept. Working in partnership with key stakeholders (e.g. client, contractors, architects, end users) is often critical to achieving a successful and more sustainable project. Creating a more sustainable building requires the attention to these key aspects: -

● Overall setting Site layout and form

● Passive solar design Detailed positioning of buildings to maximise solar potential ● Materials selection Sustainability ● Natural ventilation Early choice of sustainable solutions Implications for both the plan building materials, where form and the appearance of appropriate (see Section 11, external elevations Materials) Overall setting - ● Permeable drainage ● Plant rooms and roofscape site layout and form Drainage of landscaped areas Consideration of total plant and (see Section 7, Water and IT requirements of the building Westminster is a high density Drainage) and occupiers at concept stage urban environment and (see Section 5, Energy) development forms should reflect this. New developments should be ● Long term flexible use efficient users of land. ● Reuse of existing buildings Developments should comply with There is a presumption in favour the design principles set out in the of the re-use of existing SPG note Design Matters in buildings, unless it can be Westminster and the UDP, with shown that this is not the most development respecting the sustainable or appropriate general scale and massing of its solution neighbours. ● Conservation areas and listed buildings If development must be phased, Implications of developing in this should be ‘designed-in’ with Conservation Areas or altering individual phases being self Listed Buildings contained and requiring the

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minimum of demolition and In buildings where summer vents at roof level. These roof reconstruction. overheating may be problematic vents can sometimes be used as (e.g. commercial buildings where positive architectural features. Transport issues, e.g. public heat is generated by occupants, transport, pedestrians and cyclists equipment and lighting), various are covered in the Transport devices such as louvres, external Materials selection Assessment. Refer to Chapter 4 blinds and eaves can be specified Selection of sustainable materials and Appendix 4.1 of the Unitary to shade glazed areas. These for building elements should be Development Plan. devices shade high summer sun made early in the design process, but allow the weaker winter and bearing in mind conservation evening sun to increase the heat requirements. See Section 10, Building orientation and light input to the building. and passive solar Materials. See also ‘Active solar heating’, design page 26. Careful consideration should be Plant rooms and given to the orientation of buildings roofscape to make best use of the principles Windows and Mechanical plant that can be of passive solar design (PSD). PSD ventilation housed within the building intentionally uses solar heat and envelope should preferably be light to minimise dependence on To complement the principles of located at a low level (see Section fossil fuels (that contribute to local PSD, maximum use should be 11, Noise). However, tank rooms and global pollution). This design made of natural ventilation in and other types of plant including approach includes the exploitation preference to mechanical heat exchange units and of solar heat gain and maximum ventilation and air conditioning telecommunications equipment use of natural daylight. Careful systems, which have a significant may by necessity need to be orientation of buildings and the impact on the energy consumption located at roof level and sufficient appropriate design of elevations of a building. Air conditioning units accommodation should be made that face north or south are major can also be noisy and disturb available as part of the original factors in successful PSD. adjoining properties - especially residential buildings and this is design concept. PSD should be considered in an important consideration in Roofs in urban locations are often conjunction with other energy Westminster with its mixed use overlooked from adjoining buildings efficiency measures throughout the environment (see Section 11, and a proliferation of visible whole of the building (see Section Noise). external plant should be avoided. 4, Energy). The use of natural ventilation needs Green Roofs and roof gardens to take account of the overall should also be accessible (see pattern of air movement through Section 7, Landscape & Wildlife). the building and not simply be limited to openable windows.

Modern buildings increasingly Long term flexibility apply the principles of natural Buildings should be designed to ventilation by allowing cool air to incorporate flexibility for changes in be drawn in at low levels, and for future use. Many historic buildings normal convection currents to started life in residential use, were encourage the air to move upwards then converted into offices and through the building and be ejected have in some cases again reverted at a high level. Opening windows to housing. This demonstrates the or wall vents can be used to allow benefits of a flexible structure and air in through purpose-designed external envelope.

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Image courtesy of Allies & Morrison Case studies

40 Grosvenor Place, Westminster A BREEAM excellent rated building, 40 Grosvenor Place incorporates a range of high quality sustainable design features. The building’s innovative core configuration allows the building to be let horizontally or vertically as either one or several secure and independent Ground floors are more subject to In practice Historic Building tenancies. This adaptable layout changes in land use, but with legislation takes precedence over ensures that the building will careful design they can be suitable other statutory legislation affecting remain versatile in the long term, for retail, office, leisure and buildings, with the exception of fire regardless of changes in market entertainment where residential escapes. However a creative demands. use is not appropriate. design approach should be taken Other sustainable design aspects rather than a purely functional include: Flexibility in design can be solution. achieved by attempting to ● Natural light is maximised by accomplish a ‘loose fit’, i.e. to In most cases new development translucent glass mullions, provide sufficient latitude in the need not be a precise copy of which eliminate solar gain while building specification for rooms to adjoining buildings (an exception reflecting light deep into the be put to alternative purposes. might be the case of fire damage). building. Design attributes that contribute to However new buildings must be achieving a loose fit and a flexible appropriate to their context as a ● No workspace is more than 25 building include: result of consideration for the feet from natural light. traditional form, character, ● ● A displacement ventilation Use of a grid structure to proportions and balance of solid system provides more air provide a consistent and and void in a contemporary changes with less velocity. generic internal environment. manner. ● Use of non-load bearing ● Careful modelling of the Conversion work to listed buildings partitions. window openings reduces may require changes to thermal direct sunlight, minimising solar ● Ceiling heights that are insulation levels that may require gain. sufficient to incorporate changes the re-lining of external walls or the of room use and servicing fitting of double or triple glazed requirements. units or secondary glazing to windows. The City Council will resist use of these measures Conservation areas where this would have a and listed buildings detrimental impact on internal decorations or the detailing of Guidance is given on conservation window surrounds and glazing areas and listed buildings in the bars. SPG note Design Matters in Westminster.

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● The atrium is naturally and heat loss in winter, the dark ventilated in warm weather. blinds act as solar collectors in In cold weather it is heated by winter. exhaust air from the offices.

● The building consumes around Further information 20 percent less energy than www.portcullis-house.com comparable buildings.

● The wood veneers, such as maple, weather sycamore and walnut, used in the meeting Housing rooms are all from sustainable refurbishment, sources. Westminster ● Work surfaces and counter The Peabody Trust Ebury housing tops in the breakout spaces are Portcullis House, blocks are Grade 2 listed and made of recycled yogurt pots Westminster located in the Belgravia and crisp packets. Conservation area. The buildings The new parliamentary building, were successfully modernised in Further information adjacent to the Palace of 1996 without detriment to their Grosvenor Estates Westminster, provides offices and conservation value. Tenants were Tel: 020 7408 0988 committee rooms for MPs. Its provided with: location in a World Heritage site www.geh.co.uk ● New gas central heating (with was an important factor in the electric heating given to special design, as was the presence needs tenants). below of the new Westminster underground station. The building ● Secondary glazing in the listed incorporated a number of block and timber double glazed interesting sustainable design windows in the non listed block. features, including: In addition, the flat roofs were ● A courtyard form to give insulated. Asphalt and slabs were maximum daylit frontage used to provide roof access to drying areas. The flats were also ● A design life of 120 years drylined and the ceilings were ● Use of natural stone from Derby sound proofed. Brickwork was and Dartmoor cleaned and rear pipework was neatened and finally, an entry door ● The use of prefabricated system was fitted with entry components for quality and gates made to match existing old accuracy ironwork. The building has an integrated low- energy building services scheme. Further information Heat is recycled from exhaust air, and cooling is provided by Peabody Trust groundwater from boreholes. The Tel: 020 7922 0202 building also has a highly efficient www.peabody.org.uk triple-glazed facade with adjustable dark-coloured blinds in the inner cavity. Exhaust air from the rooms is drawn through the inner cavity, reducing the heat gain in summer,

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Mid City Place, Holborn (BREEAM Excellent building) Mid City Place occupies a large and prominent island site on the curve of High Holborn. The site provides large floorplates, daylight on all sides and office areas Westminster City Council capable of efficient space planning. Development Planning Services A curved roof provides a dramatic Further information and guidance on design matters in the City addition to the streetscape, while including advice on conservation areas and listed buildings. the lower sections of the building Contact your relevant Area Planning Team: relate directly to the scale of adjacent existing buildings. ● Central Tel: 020 7641 2514, Fax: 020 7641 3158 ● North Tel: 020 7641 2017, Fax: 020 7641 2338 ● South Tel: 020 7641 2681, Fax: 020 7641 2339

Royal Institute of British Architects Information on architects experienced in sustainable design approaches. Contact: The RIBA Clients’ Advisory Service

Tel: 020 7307 3700, www.riba.org/ribafind

Housing Corporation - Sustainability Works Sustainability Works is a web based tool that combines a comprehensive information resource with practical support for successful planning, implementation and monitoring of sustainable The office space is regular and housing policies and projects. It covers eight key themes organised uninterrupted in order to maximise around the development process. It also includes case studies, costs flexibility for tenants. An atrium and benefits, links to other information, further research and targets. provides light to the centre of the building. Services and stairs are www.sustainabilityworks.org.uk gathered into a central core to free the perimeter for offices. The exterior is clad at higher levels Building Research Establishment with a glass and metal curtain BREEAM Office wall. Masonry frames at lower levels give the building a feeling of The BRE BREEAM Office can provide information on the BREEAM solidity. The building has achieved and Ecohomes rating systems and give guidance on approaches to a BREEAM excellent rating. assessment and improving performance.

Tel: 01923 664 462, email [email protected] Further information Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Tel: 020 7836 6668 Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme www.kpf.com Provides a range of information on ways in which design of buildings can enhance sustainability, for example:

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● Planning for passive solar design

● Natural ventilation in non domestic buildings - a guide for designers, developers and owners

● Energy-efficient ventilation in housing. A guide for specifiers on the requirements and options for ventilation Tel: 0800 585 794, www.energy-effficiency.gov.uk/index.cfm

Rethinking Construction Programme for the construction industry, clients and the government to work together to improve performance in the construction industry. Incorporates Movement for Innovation, Housing Forum and partners include the Construction Best Practice Programme. www.rethinkingconstruction.org

INTEGER Intelligent and green building principles applied in building and research projects in the UK and abroad. www.integerproject.co.uk

BEDZED Beddington Zero Energy Development in Sutton, Action Energy report (GIR089 April 2002) www.actionenergy.org.uk or www.bedzed.org.uk

Tall Buildings Corporation of London - Research Report (2002) - Tall Buildings, Sustainability and the City. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 19 4 Energy Objective Sustainability context

Summary

Energy efficiency solutions

Residential developments

Commercial developments

Renewable and low impact energy solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 4 Energy

Objective Sustainability The sections below set out key context energy efficiency principles for all To improve the energy building types. Specific energy efficiency of Westminster’s The purpose of the guidance in efficiency information for buildings and source an this topic area is to achieve: residential and commercial developments is then provided increasing proportion of ● Reduced energy consumption covering new build and energy supply from ● Reduced emissions of refurbishment separately. renewable or other lower greenhouse gases and other Information is also given on impact sources. pollutants renewable and low impact energy solutions. ● Reduced levels of fuel poverty amongst residents - in Westminster an estimated Summary 19,856 households (including both private sector, Registered Development proposals should Social Landlord and Council consider the following issues: property) are at risk of fuel ● Design poverty2 Work with the environment ● Increased use of renewable and adopt an integrated and other more sustainable approach to energy use energy technologies (see Section 3, Design).

● Buildings that are more energy ● Insulation efficient, reducing costs for Create a stable internal both businesses and residents environment with an insulated All energy generation carries building envelope. environmental, social and ● Ventilation economic costs. Consequently, Create a controllable building the first priority should be to use envelope. energy efficiently. Having ● Efficient operations minimised energy consumption, Minimise energy use and heat efforts should be made to meet gain in summer. energy requirements using the most efficient and lowest impact ● Lighting processes, including renewable Use energy efficient lighting or energies. daylighting.

● Services Use efficient building service plant.

● Controls Manage energy use simply to 2 Private House Condition Survey (2001); reflect user and external Council owned property information; environment requirements. Westminster City Council.

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● Renewable / Low impact energy Consider the potential for incorporating renewable and low impact energy supply systems. Applicants should indicate how they intend to implement these principles. If they do not consider them appropriate, for technical, economic or building conservation reasons, they should indicate why.

Energy efficiency Ventilation Where mechanical ventilation is solutions required (e.g. in situations where Create a controllable building external noise or pollution is envelope. excessive) select a low energy mechanical system. High Insulation Design ventilation systems to efficiency fans should be used to Create a stable internal enable the internal environment to reduce energy consumption and environment with an insulated be controlled responsively and minimise heat load. Heat and airtight building envelope. locally. exchangers can be used to High levels of insulation in roofs, Natural ventilation provides local minimise heat loss through floors, walls, and windows act to temperature control without the ventilation. moderate the internal environment need for energy use and can be Mechanical Ventilation systems of a building, helping to maintain used effectively where noise or air with Heat Recovery (MVHR) are comfort in both hot and cold pollution levels do not preclude it used to filter, dry and pre-warm air weather, and preventing (See Section 5, Air; and Section 11, before circulating throughout a condensation and damp. Noise). building. Heat is recovered from Use of window glazing that meets Openable windows with a locked extracted stale air from ‘wet’ areas the standards of the Building vent position, trickle vents installed (bathroom/kitchen) of a building Regulations (Parts L1 and L2) - in windows or wall ventilators can and is then used to warm fresh air typically triple glazing or low be used to encourage fresh air passed into ‘dry’ areas (living emissivity glazing. Note that there circulation through buildings using rooms/bedrooms). The heat are exemptions to these standards natural ventilation techniques. exchange unit is generally situated in conservation areas. Low in a loft/ceiling space although Passive stack ventilation systems emissivity windows should be smaller systems are available that work on the principle of used to increase insulation where can fit into a cupboard or even temperature difference inside and they do not conflict with inside a kitchen cooker-hood. outside the building using ridge conservation area requirements. Systems range from larger terminals to remove stale air from industrial applications to small Specification of high levels of the building. Systems include air domestic units. However, in insulation can help to reduce inlets to bring fresh air into the domestic situations, passive rather capital costs if it allows the building which can be fitted with air than mechanical systems will often downsizing or removal of some pollutant filters. Passive stack be sufficient. building services (e.g. a reduced systems can be used to enhance requirement for radiators). air circulation in all types of To ensure maximum benefits, buildings, including refurbishment, it is important to minimise the and have been used in residential uncontrolled movement of air. and commercial buildings.

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Efficient operations of between 20% and 40% is practicable for most buildings Minimise energy use and heat (up to 50% with external gain shading). By reducing heat gains (particularly in offices and other commercial Lighting buildings) it is possible to reduce the need for cooling plant. This will Maximise use of daylight and result in significant energy and cost minimise energy use savings. High efficiency lighting (compact Any unwanted release of heat from fluorescent lamps), maximum use appliances is a sign that they are of daylight (see Section 3 Design, not operating efficiently. and information on shading, above) and light controls reduce heat gains Buildings gain heat from four main and general energy use. Controls sources: Energy efficient lightbulbs use a Manage energy use to reflect ● People fraction of the electricity needed for user and external environment Each person emits around conventional bulbs and are a requirements 100 W of heat into their simple way to save energy. Control of energy use is essential surroundings. Lighting in most homes accounts to ensure that buildings and plant ● Lights for 10-15% of the electricity bill. operate effectively. Control See next section. When purchasing make sure the systems vary in sophistication product has the Energy Efficiency from thermostatic radiators to ● Equipment Recommended logo on it. Energy efficient appliances and complex computer controlled service equipment will reduce building management systems. cooling loads and save on Services Building controls should be simple operational energy use. The and be designed to be operable by Use efficient building services increased use of IT equipment the building users. in office buildings (and related plant. heat gains) should not prevent Occupants will tolerate a greater Services plant in buildings includes natural ventilation of offices. variation in their internal boilers, air handling units etc. Where a closely controlled environments when they have Selection of efficient plant for environment is required (e.g. for control of their environments. This providing building services can IT servers), machines can be approach is particularly suitable in save energy and in commercial isolated from other parts of the buildings with natural ventilation buildings can reduce heat gains office to avoid cooling a larger where local temperature control and the need for mechanical area than necessary. can contribute significantly to cooling. reducing the need for energy ● Solar radiation intensive systems. In fully Unwanted solar gains can Services should be specified serviced buildings local control significantly disrupt a building's proportionate to the requirements may not operate as effectively - internal environment. External of the building, as over-specified however, it is still important to shading (louvres or eaves) can plant operates less efficiently and ensure that cellular office spaces help to control solar gains can be unsightly. are managed properly and a whilst retaining an external sensible zoning scheme is in place. view and allowing lower strength winter or evening sun to enter the building. Internal blinds can provide local control. A glazed external surface area

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Residential building, i.e. walls, roofs and ● Ground floor developments floors. This takes account of the Insulation to achieve a U-value fact that some things are better at of 0.25W/m²K There are simple energy efficient retaining heat than others. ● Windows and doors To meet environmental best measures which can be Wood or PVC frames to achieve implemented at any time at practice, try to exceed these a collective average U-value of minimal cost, as outlined below. standards whenever practicable as 2.0W/m²K, metal frames to Building Regulations set out meet U value of 2.2W/m2K. minimum standards. There are All doors and windows to be three methods of calculating Draught-proofing draught-stripped compliance under the Building Draughts entering a building can Regulations: Certain insulation materials should account for up to 20% of lost heat. be avoided (see Section 10, Draught proofing materials (e.g. ● Carbon Index (CI) Materials). strips, brushes, sealants) can be Based on the SAP rating of the bought from DIY stores to seal dwelling. The Carbon Index gaps around doors, windows or must be greater than or equal to Ventilation where pipework enters. Heavy 8.0; curtains, fitted blinds and rugs also Controlled ventilation should be ● Target U-value assist with preventing cold air sufficient such that it prevents Based on the overall U-value of entering - although do consider the condensation. Where possible, the dwelling, allowing some needs of allergy sufferers in ventilation should be passive using elements to be traded off choosing suitable materials. When e.g. stacks or windows. This against others; or draught-proofing make sure there is avoids the energy use and potential still adequate ventilation e.g. trickle ● Elemental noise nuisance of fan extractor vents in window frames. Each element of the building systems (see Section 11: Noise). fabric must meet a given U-value. Clothes drying Hot water insulation SAP ratings have been extended to If the hot water tank has less than 120 (from the previous maximum Allocation of space for drying 75mm of insulation, energy 100) under the Building Regulations clothes (e.g. an airing cupboard or savings can be made by fitting due to the increase in insulation other drying space in a non living another jacket or replacing it. Pipes standards and boiler efficiencies. area) can reduce the use of energy should also be insulated to prevent intensive tumble dryers although When using the elemental method freezing. Pay particular attention to such spaces should include of calculating compliance, new the piping between the boiler and mechanical ventilation. Consider housing should meet or exceed the the cylinder. using of communal laundry following thermal efficiency spaces. standards:

Lighting ● Walls Appliances Specify energy efficient light bulbs U-value of 0.35/m²K (see page 30). ● Pitched roofs Specification of high standards of 250mm insulation to achieve a energy efficiency (for example A U-value of 0.16-0.25W/m²K rated white goods), and use of gas Standards for cooking and heating. Look for the EU Energy Label or Energy Building Regulations (Part L1) Efficiency Recommended label. require dwellings to meet certain 3 Appliances should be located so energy efficiency standards, The U-value (or heat loss factor) is the measurement used to express the thermal that they do not reduce efficiency 3 applying U-value requirements for performance of a material. The lower the (for example cookers should not be all external elements of the U-value, the less heat is transmitted located close to fridges or through the material.

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freezers). Where possible, flue gases and has a typical ● Radiators should be accurately appliances should not be built into efficiency rating of 88% sized for the property and kitchen units as this impedes although this can be in excess heating system. ventilation and reduces energy of 90% for top models. ● Primary hot water pipework efficiency. If appliances are built ● If a hot water cylinder is used, should be insulated. into units make sure ventilation is select a high performance one. properly considered. When selecting a boiler, remember ● Use a programmable system to make sure that it will suit the controller (which allows occupants’ needs - if a boiler is not Efficient central separate hot water and space sized correctly it will perform heating systems heater timing for regular boilers) poorly. Consider using solar and a room thermostat (which pre-heat boilers. Compliance with CHeSS HR2 and prevents overheating and HC2 standards should be achieved, wasted energy). It is also important to have a good as follows: control system which individual ● Incorporate a boiler interlock home occupiers find easy to use. ● Where using a regular or into the thermostat to prevent Installation of gas heating systems combi-boiler, specify an the firing of the boiler when should be carried out by a efficiency of at least 82%. there is no heat demand. registered CORGI professional installer and inspected by ● Condensing boilers are up to ● Use thermostatic radiator 30% more efficient in operation valves on all radiators Building Control. (except in rooms with a room than regular boilers. See also - combined heat and thermostat). A condensing boiler reuses heat power (CHP), page 27. that is normally lost through the

Refurbishment of residential buildings The incorporation of energy efficiency measures into existing properties is constrained by the existing building type and restrictions on renovation for conservation requirements. However, guidance indicates that it is possible to achieve thermal efficiency levels similar to those of new properties (materials with similar U-values should be used).

When installing or upgrading building insulation, the treated area must be free of damp or rot and ventilation levels should be maintained.

Replacement boilers and windows in existing buildings will be required to meet the minimum standards outlined in the Building Regulations. Note that windows are exempt in certain

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circumstances, e.g. Conservation Commercial Where mechanical ventilation or Areas. developments cooling is required, design and specify building services to be The City of Westminster Housing Commercial developments face a energy efficient and achieve low guide ‘Energy Efficiency in number of challenges as they have heating and cooling loads. Conservation Areas’ gives further increased cooling loads that arise Systems need to be compatible specific information on the from their high occupancy levels with any natural ventilation system refurbishment of homes. and greater use of heat emitting to ensure maximum efficiency. The sources. High levels of glazing, use of heat exchangers to warm internal climate control and incoming air can also act to reduce Costs specification of atria can also heating loads in colder months. It is estimated that each of these act against energy efficiency. Accurately specify ventilation energy efficiency measures can be However, innovative design ducts and fans (it is often the incorporated into new building solutions can provide high levels ventilation activity rather than the plans with little or no additional of energy efficiency within all cooling plant that is responsible for expenditure. types of buildings, for example, most energy use). Services plant atria can be well designed and should meet high efficiency Requirements for house builders to form an integral part of a natural standards and be flexible to provide accurate SAP ratings for ventilation system. new properties will also promote operate efficiently over a range of the use of energy efficient housing In addition to the energy principles heating and cooling loads (e.g. and provide a means by which stated previously, commercial through the use of multi- or variable good and best practice can be developments should: speed controls). recognised by customers. ● Use low emissivity (low-e) Consider the building’s proposed With regard to refurbishment costs, glazing where there is activity zones and plan for some energy efficiency measures significant glazed area. localised control and zoning of must be built into existing Although largely invisible, the servicing. Areas that require high refurbishment cycles (e.g. low-e coating can be seen from levels of servicing (e.g. central IT windows, exterior wall insulation, some angles and conservation systems) should be located double glazing, central heating requirements may prevent the together in the heart of the building systems) to achieve an acceptable use of low-e glazing in some and separated from areas that can payback time on the required settings. use natural ventilation (e.g. office space on upper floors). capital expenditure. ● Be tested for airtightness during Many energy efficiency measures commissioning as required Include simple building services can be adopted at any time (e.g. under Part L2 of the Building controls that meet the needs and draught stripping, pipe and roof Regulations. The use of draught working patterns of occupants. insulation, use of low energy reducing doors (such as Occupants should be provided with lighting). revolving doors) and lobbies can information packs on the effective further reduce unwanted air energy management of the building movement. and on the implications of changing ● Incorporate natural ventilation internal layout or use. wherever possible. It is Monitoring of larger and multi- recognised that natural occupancy buildings should be ventilation may not always be sufficiently detailed to allow sub- possible for noise or air quality metering of individual tenants or reasons. departments. This allows for more ● Consider use of passive stack accurate billing of different user ventilation technology combined groups, and provides an incentive with filters to achieve objectives for each to operate the building of natural ventilation. efficiently.

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Refurbishment of Renewable and desired room temperature, contain commercial buildings low impact energy useable heat energy. Heat pumps extract this energy and deliver it to Major refurbishment can offer a solutions the building at the desired rare opportunity to achieve major Once building energy use has been temperature. improvements in energy efficiency. minimised, it is important to Levels of insulation and servicing consider the source of the energy Renewable energy for the refurbished building should used. There are opportunities for all types of development to use meet current best practices rather Active solar heating than simply seeking to improve on low impact energy sources, such the performance of the original as: Active solar heating systems building. convert solar radiation into heat ● Solar design for space heating that can be used directly, stored for A fundamental redesign should be and ventilation (see Section 3, future use, or converted to considered almost as a ‘new Design) electricity. The UK climate is best build’, and an integrated energy use ● Heat pumps suited to low temperature heating and services model should be applications (e.g. water heating). ● Renewable energy developed to maximise its performance. ● Combined heat and power plant Solar radiation collectors are usually mounted on the roof and Where the redevelopment of a ● Fuel cells heat a fluid circulated between the building is constrained by its ● Green roofs (see Section 7, collectors and a water tank. The conservation status or structure, Landscape & Wildlife) collector size depends on the scale focus efforts on those elements of required. For residential use, Developers should consider the the design where performance can collectors generally cover 3-4 m2. applicability of each of the above be improved. For example, the use options when preparing their of energy efficient lights in existing Active solar heating can also be proposals. fittings (e.g. compact fluorescent used to preheat boilers. lights), cavity wall or roof Active solar technology can be insulation, secondary glazing or Heat pumps used for heating swimming pools. best practice heating and cooling A collector area equivalent to more systems. Heat pumps reduce CO2 than half the pool area is usually emissions by supplying heat or required. The pool water can be cooling energy with minimal passed directly through the energy consumption. They can be collectors using the pool filter used to heat buildings by capturing pump. heat from the surroundings, the outside air, the ground or running The current installed price of a water, or from waste. In summer, typical domestic hot water system reversible heat pumps can provide is around £350 per m2, totalling cooling too. approximately £1,000 to £1,500 per residential property for bulk Because the pumps use heat from purchases. Retrofitted systems are their local environments, they can significantly more expensive. supply more energy than is used to The London Solar Club provides drive them. Even during winter discounts and training for periods, the air, ground or water householders wishing to install outside a building, although their own solar hot water heating relatively cold compared to the system. Developers should consider the potential to install active solar systems in all new developments.

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Photovoltaics implications. With good design, it is possible to integrate the turbines When exposed to light, into the lines of the building. Some photovoltaic (PV) cells convert new designs for wind turbines solar radiation directly into incorporate helical turbines with electricity. Interconnected cells are horizontal rotation, which may be encapsulated into a sealed module more appropriate for use on that produces a voltage. Systems buildings. These helical shaped are low maintenance and are said turbines are also said to be quieter to have a lifetime of approximately as they do not turn faster than the 25 years. wind speed. Over recent years improved To be economically efficient performance and reduced costs turbines need to be exposed to have enhanced the viability of PVs relatively high and constant wind in buildings. They are used to loads, these are sometimes both heat and power. replace conventional roofing or difficult to achieve in urban areas. cladding materials such as tiles or CHP works best in mixed use natural stone. During operation PVs The costs of installing wind energy developments where there are a are silent, generate no emissions, plant are very site-specific. On number of energy and heat use no water. They are capable of average, capital costs are around demands throughout the day that being integrated into buildings £750/kW of installed capacity, but require a consistent supply. It is relatively unobtrusively. may be lower in an urban area often necessary to have a where infrastructure provision is significant 24 hour heat demand PVs can be incorporated into better. Operation and maintenance (e.g. a swimming pool, or hospital) cladding systems and glazing as costs are on average about 0.5p/ to enhance the efficiency of the well as roofing. kWh. process. Generally a minimum It currently costs around £8,500 to operating load of 4000 hours/ £15,000 to install a PV system annum is required to make CHP capable of meeting around 50% of Combined heat and feasible. In Westminster, CHP is a home's electricity requirements. power (CHP) used in hotels, leisure centres and However, a number of grants are large offices. available via the Energy Savings A CHP plant generates heat and For larger buildings with significant Trust, covering up to 50% of total power simultaneously in a single heat requirements (e.g. a installation costs for homeowners process. The basic elements of a residential development with a and up to 40% for commercial CHP plant are a combustion gym and swimming pool) CHP organisations. Housing process driving an electrical systems can provide an economic Associations can also apply for generator, and heat recovery and efficient energy source. grants of up to 65% of total equipment that uses the heat generated by the combustion installation costs. Micro CHP units for domestic use process. CHP can also provide are relatively new and they are still cooling when combined with an Wind power undergoing commercial absorption chiller. development. However, they have Wind turbines can provide the potential to offer a 28% emission-free electricity and are CHP typically achieves a 35% reduction in energy use over an available for a range of power reduction in primary energy usage average new boiler and a 12% outputs from a few watts up to compared to a power station and reduction over an efficient 2MW. heat-only boiler solution. CHP can therefore offer economic and condensing boiler by utilising Wind turbines may not always be environmental savings where there electricity generated within the appropriate to a location because is a suitably balanced demand for home and potentially selling it into of their visual intrusion the supply grid.

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There are financial incentives to Case studies Heat charges have been reduced encourage greater CHP use in the by 10%, annual net savings are in UK including exemption from the the order of £340,000, and carbon Climate Change Levy and the Whitehall District emissions are already down by Carbon Trust/Energy Savings Trust Heating Scheme over 1600 tonnes per year. Community Energy Programme The refurbished Whitehall District which provides grants for CHP Further information installation. Heating Scheme (WDHS) is the Government's flagship CHP Combined Heat and scheme serving 10 Downing Street Power Association Fuel cells and a further 22 Government Tel: 020 7828 4077 buildings in Whitehall, including the www.chpa.co.uk Fuel cells generate electricity from Ministry of Defence, Foreign and a simple electrochemical reaction Commonwealth Office, Ministry of in which oxygen and hydrogen Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, combine to form water. There are Horse Guards, and HM Treasury. different types of fuel cell, e.g. proton exchange membrane, The system provides 34 GWh heat alkaline fuel cells, phosphoric acid energy per year - enough to supply fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells. 3000 homes - and has surplus capacity for the connection of There is significant potential for fuel additional buildings. The system cell CHP units in stationary, small was originally designed in the late scale applications such as 1930s, and installed in the late residential homes or small 1940s/early 1950s, with three businesses (typically below 50kw). boilers operational by 1952. Research into the development of Distribution pipework reached its such units is currently being full extent in 1966, and comprises undertaken in the UK and USA. 24 km of underground heat mains.

In 1993, the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) employed consultants to carry out a detailed feasibility study, because the original boiler plant was nearing the end of its useful life. The Whole Life Costing (WLC) approach takes into account the benefits, over the total life cycle, of the lower long-term operational and maintenance costs of energy- efficient and environmentally beneficial equipment. The refurbished WDHS has proved a great success.

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Photovoltaic panels, panels in a mixed use residential Grade II listed building Ladbroke Grove and commercial site which will be refurbishment, Great the largest use of photovoltaic This development near Ladbroke panels in the UK and one of the Torrington, Devon Grove is a £70 million high-tech largest in Europe. Built in 1826 this Regency building urban village. The development is and associated outbuildings now to be mixed use and mixed tenure The panels will replace 1500 houses a Museum to the Civil War, and will feature a number of square metres of conventional a computer training facility, a public sustainable attributes including an cladding materials on roofs and library, a tourist information centre, ecology park and a large façades. On the sunniest days, the shop and local government office landscaped garden, a crèche, system will generate 200kW, space. children's play areas, and a meeting all the electrical neighbourhood management requirements of the site. It is This refurbishment included the service. estimated that over the course of a following design features: year 10% of the site's electricity The development will also will be generated by the panels. ● Traditional details: sliding sash incorporate photovoltaic panels windows, picture rails, which convert solar power into Further information skirtings, decorative plaster energy. Peabody Trust mouldings, octagonal roof light was awarded European Peabody Trust and cantilevered curved funding to install the panels. The Tel: 020 7922 0202 staircase development will use photovoltaic www.peabody.org.uk ● Renovation of a derelict group of buildings

● Internal insulated dry-lining added to all external walls

● Thermostatic radiator valves on all radiators run from a gas condensing boiler with an energy efficient zoned management system

● Lime renders, lime wash, organic paints/stains

● High performance timber windows and doors

● Environmental rot treatment by non-chemical means

● Timber floors recycled from other parts of the building

● Natural slate roofing

Further information Gale & Snowden Architects Tel: 01237 474 952 www.ecodesign.co.uk

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Westminster City Council For copies of the City Council guide 'Energy Efficiency in Conservation Areas', Landlord Energy Saver leaflet, Affordable Warmth Strategy and guidance on private sector energy efficiency in Westminster. Tel: 020 7641 2583

Action Energy This was formerly the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme. Range of guidance and advice on improving energy efficiency in all types of buildings. Relevant publications include:

● Energy Consumption Guide 19

● Avoiding or minimising the use of air conditioning

● General Information Leaflet 59: Central Heating System Specifications

● Good Practice Guide 201 - Energy efficient refurbishment of retail buildings

● Making Energy Work - business guide

● Good Practice Guide 268 - Energy efficient ventilation in housing. A Guide for specifiers on the requirements and options for ventilation Tel: 0800 585 794, www.actionenergy.org.uk

Design Advice Design Advice offers professional, independent and objective advice on the energy-efficient and environmentally conscious design of buildings as part of the Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme. All potential buildings/groups of buildings must have a minimum floor area of 500 m2. The service applies to new-build and refurbishment work. Tel: 0800 585794, www.designadvice.co.uk

Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Free advice on energy use in the home. Including DIY Home Energy, information on grants; efficient heating systems, appliances. Tel: 0800 512 012, www.saveenergy.co.uk

Construction Best Practice Programme Guidance on best practice in sustainable construction techniques. Tel: 0845 605 55 56, www.cbpp.org.uk

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Building services The following organisations provide advice on approaches to and specification of building services to minimise energy use:

● The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Tel: 020 8675 5211, www.cibse.org

● Building Services Research and Information Association Tel: 01344 426511, www.bsria.co.uk

Combined heat and power (CHP) Combined Heat and Power Association, provides information and promotes the use of CHP technologies. Tel: 020 7828 4077, www.chpa.co.uk

Boilers The Seasonal Efficiency Database for the United Kingdom provides a list of efficiency scores for all boilers currently in use in the UK www.sedbuk.com

CORGI - Council for Registered Gas Installers Tel: 01256 372200, www.corgi-gas.com

Renewable energy

● Department of Trade & Industry's (DTI) renewable energy website provides information on the use of different renewable technologies, approximate costs and practical implementation advice. Tel: 01235 432450, www.dti.gov.uk/renewable

● National Energy Foundation Tel: 01908 665555, www.greenenergy.org.uk

● London Solar Club (for solar hot water heating systems) Tel: 020 7820 3162, www.sustainable-energy.org.uk

● Solar for London Tel: 020 7820 3156

● Solar Century Tel: 020 7803 0100, www.solarcentury.co.uk

● London Electricity Tel: 0845 600 8080, www.london-electricity.co.uk

● Energy Saving Trust Tel: 020 7222 0101, www.est.org.uk

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● Energy21 (UK branch of Eurosolar) Tel: 01453 752277, www.energy21.org.uk

● Development of a Renewable Energy Assessment & Targets for London, Final report, Government Office for London, Mayor of London, Association of London Government, Tel: 020 7217 3228, www.go-london.gov.uk

● Fuel Cells: - www.futureenergies.com - www.fuelcelltoday.com - www.hydrogen.co.uk - includes information on other renewable energies - London Hydrogen Partnership, www.london.gov.uk

Directory A comprehensive directory of suppliers of energy efficient and other sustainable building products and services can be found from James and James European Database of Suppliers of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Products and Services. Tel: 020 7387 8558, www.jxj.com

Grants Energy Savings Trust grants for photovoltaic installation (domestic householder and small scale projects; commercial; social housing) Tel: 0800 298 3978, www.est.org.uk

Carbon Trust Tel: 020 7170 7000, www.thecarbontrust.co.uk

Community Energy Programme Tel: 0870 850 6085, www.practicalhelp.org.uk

Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (also provides information on grants) Tel: 0800 512 012, www.saveenergy.co.uk

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 3333 5 Air Objective Sustainability context

Summary

Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 5 Air

Objective Sustainability used intermittently, including context air conditioning systems. To reduce the contribution The disease is contracted by of the built environment to The impact on outdoor and indoor inhalation and results in a atmospheric pollution, and air quality should be an important potentially fatal form of consideration in any building pneumonia. achieve a healthy indoor project. environment. ● Asbestos In Westminster, poor air quality It is estimated that around 5.5 outdoors is mainly caused by million UK buildings contain traffic, but buildings cause asbestos. It can be found in additional pollution. Indoor air cladding, insulation, flue-pipes, quality is affected by human storage heaters and other activities, heating and ventilation applications. Inhalation systems and the building’s exposure to asbestos fibres structure and furnishings. Indoor air can cause scarring of lung quality is important as people tissue and an increased risk of spend 90% of their time indoors. developing lung, chest and abdominal cancer.

● Volatile organic compounds Health These are released from many Exposure to airborne pollutants synthetic materials and released from buildings or furnishings, and chemical construction projects can affect products such as paints, breathing and heart functions. varnishes, solvents and Health impacts and pollutants polishes, including products include: such as formaldehyde. They are also emitted from office ● Sick building syndrome equipment such as This is a complex problem photocopiers. Exposure to VOCs caused by a range of factors can cause breathing difficulties, one of which is airborne eye, skin and throat irritation, pollutants released from nausea, allergic reactions and buildings. Other contributing increased risk of lung disease. factors include VOCs, low ● Dust humidity, ozone, dust mite, Many aspects of the glare. Symptoms include construction process create lethargy, stuffy or runny nose, significant amounts of dust dry throat, headache, eye (for example, demolition, irritation, chest tightness and mixing, blasting, cutting and dry skin. grinding). Dust can contribute to ● Legionnaires’ disease respiratory irritation, while This can develop in water within a building, dust can be a storage tanks and plant, problem for allergy sufferers. boilers, and pipework that are

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● Carbon monoxide Acidification and Summary Fuel-burning heating and damage to the built cooking units are all potential Development proposals should sources of carbon monoxide, and natural consider the following issues: especially if they have no flue environments ● Health & safety or chimney. Problems arise Seek guidance on health and mostly when chimneys or flues ● Fossil fuel combustion for safety issues, e.g. handling are blocked, or if there is not building services accounts for asbestos. enough ventilation to supply air around 25% of the UK’s annual to the appliance. Carbon SO2 and NOx emissions. ● Dust & emissions monoxide can cause headache, Energy use in building directly Minimise dust and other dizziness, nausea and even, at impacts on global acidification. atmospheric emissions during high concentrations, death. ● Acidification causes damage construction activities. ● Particulates to soils, watercourses, and ● Materials These are defined as particles forestry. It also damages the Select natural materials to that are less than 10µm in built environment - notably minimise chemical emissions. limestone buildings and diameter. The health ● Building services statues. implications of particulates Ensure that building services include irritation to the eyes, are regularly maintained. nose, throat and respiratory Odour disease. They can ultimately ● Ventilation reach deep into the lung and ● Chemical solvent use (e.g. Ensure adequate ventilation may be absorbed into the blood hairdressing salons, dry levels. stream and cause lung cleaning outlets) can release problems such as bronchitis, unpleasantly strong odours into emphysema and heart disease. the environment. Similarly, Particulates have also been cooked food outlets can also linked with cancer. release overpowering smells. Such smells can often cause annoyance to neighbours.

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Sustainability take account of the prevailing solutions wind and any sensitive receptors. Stockpiles should be Indoor air quality can be improved dampened. by removing pollutant generating ● Dust sources such as skips substances or processes at should be covered. source. Where this is not possible, adequate ventilation that ● Roadways (including haul introduces fresh air is required. roads) and construction sites should be dampened and swept when required.

Dust and air pollution ● Stone cutting activities should control - construction also be dampened. phase ● Sites should be designed to accommodate wheel washer Identify potential sources of dust facilities as appropriate. Building services and other air pollution as early as and appliances possible and implement the ● Low emission vehicles and following dust control measures: plant equipment should be used All services and appliances should particularly for on-site be checked and cleaned regularly ● Activities that may affect air generators. to ensure they are operating quality or generate dust should effectively and do not present a be located away from sensitive ● Controls also need to be in health risk. Building services need human receptors (e.g. place during demolition. to be readily accessible so that hospitals, schools, housing) Dampening down during they can be easily maintained. and ecological resources demolition activities can assist whenever possible. Note that with preventing dust pollution. Particular attention should be given the Environmental Protection See also Westminster Considerate to combustion processes, hot Act 1990 requires the Builders Code on page 77. water and ventilation systems. implementation of Best Practicable Means to control For further information see Section dust. Materials 5, Energy. ● Completed earthworks should Internal air quality can be be sealed or replanted as early significantly improved by the use Ventilation as practicable. of natural products rather than Having removed pollutant sources ● synthetic products (e.g. carpets, Where practicable, stockpiled as far as possible, it is important to paints). See Section 10, Materials. materials should be located to ensure that good indoor air quality Consider operational maintenance is maintained using appropriate and cleaning requirements. levels of ventilation. Cleaning solvents and other Ventilation rates and infiltration chemicals often have a negative levels are commonly expressed in impact on indoor air quality. terms of Air Change Rates per hour Use indoor plants to improve (ac/hr). The recommended air internal air quality. exchange levels for rooms vary, depending on the type and age of the building, the number of occupants, function (e.g. leisure facilities and bathrooms require higher levels to cool and reduce condensation) and volume of the

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 37

room. Rates will be higher if Case studies Further information natural ventilation is used for Turner and Townsend Project cooling in summer. See Signposts Management section for further information. University of Tel: 020 7544 4000 A distinction should be drawn East London (UEL) www.turnerandtownsend.com between controlled ventilation The new UEL building is close to levels required to achieve a healthy London City Airport and a four lane and comfortable internal road, it was therefore important Formaldehyde environment and the need to that the building achieved high maintain a well insulated building levels of noise insulation, but that particleboard flooring, envelope. Heat exchangers can be indoor air quality was maintained Scotland used to preheat incoming air so through adequate ventilation. Noise Residents on a new housing estate that ventilation can be achieved considerations made passive were complaining of health while minimising heat loss. ventilation impossible so, rather problems such as dry cough, runny Recirculation of air can also assist than opt for an air conditioning eyes and headaches. The in minimising heat loss. solution, the design team applied a symptoms seemed to be worse low energy solution using a low If the building is located near a when the residents were indoors velocity circulation system that major pollution source (such as a than when they were outside, and utilises hollow concrete ceiling busy road), it may not be possible only appeared after they had planks. Air is circulated through to use natural ventilation systems. moved into the new Mechanical ventilation systems accommodation. Following air can filter some pollutants out of the quality measurements, it was air. However, no single device will found that in 27 flats, formaldehyde filter out particulate, vapour and concentrations were in excess of gas pollutants altogether. the World Health Organisation air quality guidelines.

The main source of formaldehyde was found to be particleboard flooring. The flooring was replaced, and follow-up air quality monitoring was undertaken. Levels of formaldehyde were considerably lowered in the flats in which the flooring was replaced, with a consequent reduction in the ceiling into rooms, and returns complaints from occupants. via corridors to a heat exchanger. Because air is not allowed to Further information recirculate a high level of indoor air quality is achieved using a low Building Research energy process. The combined Establishment capital and running costs of the Tel: 01923 664000 system is about 60% of that for www.bre.co.uk conventional air conditioning. This approach to ventilation is particularly suitable for buildings that would otherwise require air conditioning because high levels of external noise necessitate a sealed building envelope.

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 38

Westminster Air Quality Strategy & Action Plan The statutory Air Quality Plan for Westminster providing information on the major air quality issues for the city. Tel: 020 7641 2236, www.westminster.gov.uk

Health & safety Westminster Health & Safety Team for advice on health & safety issues including asbestos removal, Tel: 020 7641 1063

Health & Safety Executive for information on health & safety at work, Tel: 08701 545 500, www.hse.gov.uk

BRE Centre for Health, Safety and Environment - can provide further information on sources of indoor air quality problems and appropriate solutions, Tel: 01923 664452, www.bre.co.uk

Building services - specification The following organisations can provide advice on approaches and specification of building services to achieve good indoor air quality:

● The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Tel: 020 8675 5211, www.cibse.org. CIBSE publication ‘Environmental Criteria for Design’ provides further information on recommended levels of ventilation.

● Building Services Research and Information Association, Tel: 01344 436511, www.bsria.co.uk

Ventilation - recommended air exchange levels per hour can be found in the following:

● Building Regulations Part F

● CIBSE Environmental Design Guide Volume A

Westminster Considerate Builders Scheme Contact the Considerate Schemes Manager, 9th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP, Tel: 020 7641 3175 Fax: 020 7641 7838

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 39 6 Water and Objective Sustainability context Drainage Summary Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 40

Section 6 Water and Drainage

Objective Sustainability To make efficient use of context all water resources and to In London, water has been a minimise the risk of flooding significant sustainability issue for a number of reasons: and land contamination. ● Flooding ● Ecology Areas of central London are Detrimental impacts on situated within floodplain, and biodiversity can occur during groundwater and tidal water water shortages or when water levels are rising each year. quality is affected. For example, Rising groundwater presents a when river levels drop, oxygen threat to tunnels and building levels drop and fish and aquatic foundations5. Rising water invertebrates such as worms, levels also increase flood risk. snails and shrimps can die. A major flood could cost in Fish and amphibian spawning excess of £30 billion in sites may also start to dry out, damages alone. affecting future fish populations.

● Water quality ● Water treatment The Thames is London's Purifying water to drinking greatest natural asset and is water standards is an now one of the cleanest expensive and energy intensive metropolitan rivers in the world. process. However, much of this Although London's water quality water is used for non-potable is generally good, its biological purposes such as flushing water quality and dissolved toilets, cleaning and gardening. oxygen levels are variable. For these purposes a lower Biological quality will continue level of treatment would be to fluctuate unless significant acceptable, saving money and improvements are achieved in energy. minimising the adverse effects ● Building performance of urban run-off and effluent The specification of sustainable quality. water systems and products can significantly contribute to the performance of a building over its lifetime - particularly with respect to its running costs.

5 GARDIT Report (1999) Rising Groundwater in London

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Summary Water-Saving Devices Development proposals should Water-saving devices are a cheap consider the following issues: yet effective way of managing the water consumption of a building. ● Water saving devices The payback period on many of ● Rainwater harvesting these devices is very short. Water techniques saving techniques should be used where possible for the following ● Water recycling systems applications: ● Boreholes ● Low flush toilets ● Sustainable urban drainage In homes, toilet flushing systems accounts for around 30% of Dual flush toilets incorporate two flush water consumption. Water volumes Sustainability regulations require that new toilets have a flush of only 6 solutions litres. However, old cisterns The suitability of different can use as much as 10 litres solutions depends on a number of per flush. Water saving devices factors, including whether the such as cistern bags (‘hippos’) building is new build or a can be retrofitted at little or no refurbishment and whether there cost and have now been fitted are design restrictions. The size of into more than 5 million the development is also a factor homes. However a system (e.g. whether the building operation designed to be low flush will provides sufficient flows for water operate more effectively that a recycling techniques). Water retrofitted high flush system. management solutions are In addition, running and badly Spray taps use less water than particularly effective in buildings adjusted overflows are a traditional taps that have their water consumption significant and very common metered. source of water waste. ● Dual flush toilets the installation of waterless These toilets have 2 flush urinals. As well as saving volumes - usually a standard 6 significant volumes or water, litre flush (or 4 litres) and a they are also very low reduced flush of 4 litres (or 2.5 maintenance as they have no litres). mechanical components. Urinals with high levels of ● Waterless urinals usage can offer savings of more In an office, around 30% of than £1000 a year. water is used for urinal flushing. Standard urinals use ● Spray taps around 6 to 10 litres of water to In an office, approximately one flush, waterless urinals use third of water use comes none. Waterless urinals can be through the tap. By installing readily and cost-effectively spray taps, half of this water retrofitted to replace existing can be saved. Spray taps flushing systems. Buildings contain small holes that force with high occupancy rates such water out in an aerated spray. as schools, hotels or offices This reduces the amount of benefit particularly quickly from water reaching the user but still

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 42

allows enough water for hand Water recycling washing. Spray taps are cost- systems effective and easy to fit. They can also be sensor-operated Greywater (water that has already ensuring minimal consumption been used in washbasins, showers of water per use. and baths) can be recycled and used again in toilet flushing and ● Water-saving white goods A washing machine usually other non-potable activities (e.g. watering the garden or car accounts for around 12% of washing). domestic water consumption - dishwashers account for a Recycling technologies are similar further 4%. Low water use to rainwater harvesting systems alternatives have been proven described above. In addition to to clean as well as those that filtering, the water also undergoes In London, it should be possible to use more water. Economy disinfection. options should be selected collect an average of 120 litres of where available on machines. water a day from a 100m2 roof. Blackwater is water that has already been used for toilet flushing ● Bathing Collected rainwater can be used and washing up. It is also possible Showers generally use less in many ways: flushing toilets, to recycle this water by passing it than half the water needed to in washing machines, watering through a blackwater recycling take a bath. However, power plants/gardens, and for other system - or composter - that showers can use more water general cleaning tasks. breaks down solids to produce an than a bath. Specification of end product that can be used as aerated spray shower heads Rainwater collection systems are fertiliser. The water is filtered and will reduce water consumption simple to install in new buildings purified ready for reuse. further, while still giving a and need only minimal maintenance by the user. Systems powerful water jet. Greywater and blackwater should be connected to the mains systems should be checked for ● Landscaping supply to ensure that water is functionality and certified safe by See Section 7, always available, even at times of an accredited person or authority. Land, Landscape & Wildlife. low rainfall.

Once collected, filtered rainwater Rainwater harvesting should to be stored in cool and Water metering techniques dark conditions to discourage Installation of a water meter can growth of algae and bacteria. help reduce water consumption by Rainwater harvesting technologies A concrete rainwater tank buried monitoring use. Thames Water will should also be considered. The underground is ideal. Alternatively, installation costs and payback install a water meter in residential rainwater tanks can be sited in a properties free of charge as long as periods of such technologies are cool basement or cellar. Several the work is practical. higher than those for water saving tanks can be linked together in devices, and depend on the type of larger installations. Sub-metering enables property system being installed. owners to charge their tenants in Water butts at rainwater downpipe direct proportion to their water Where possible, harvested outlets can be used to collect usage, and therefore provides a rainwater should be substituted for rainwater from the roof to use in mains water, saving money and further financial incentive to adopt gardens (see Section 7, water efficiency measures. protecting water resources. Land, Landscape and Wildlife).

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Boreholes Sustainable Urban There are various SUDS approaches: There are a number of existing Drainage Systems boreholes in Westminster which (SUDS) ● Porous pavements are in use. Run-off permeates through Sustainable urban drainage porous pavements such as Water from boreholes is generally systems (SUDS) are an alternative permeable concrete blocks, at a stable and relatively low to traditional approaches of crushed stone, asphalt or other temperature (around 13 degrees C) managing run-off from buildings surfacing. Water may infiltrate and can be used for cooling and hardstanding. SUDS directly into the subsoil, or be (replacing traditional refrigeration). approaches reduce the amount of stored in an underground Water from boreholes can also be surface run-off that runs directly to reservoir (e.g. crushed stone used as greywater. rivers through stormwater layer) before slowly soaking systems. Rapid run-off from into the ground. If necessary, Increased sourcing of water from developments with traditional an overflow can keep the boreholes may be possible in drainage systems is a contributory pavement free of water in all Westminster. However, existing factor in flooding incidents. conditions. boreholes may require refurbishment. Planting and green roofs can also ● Swales and basins reduce and slow down runoff (see These provide temporary There are currently seven private Section 7, Land, Landscape & storage for storm water, drinking water supplies in Wildlife). reduce peak flows to receiving Westminster operating from waters and can be created as privately owned deep bores. Infiltration drainage should not be landscape features within a These are held on a public register used in locations where it might site. Swales and basins and are routinely monitored by the contribute to rising groundwater facilitate the filtration of City Council. levels. pollutants, microbial decomposition and water Retrieval of water from boreholes SUDS systems can also be infiltration directly in the will help to reduce the problems of adapted to collect and treat water ground. rising groundwater, however, water for consumption by building quality is variable (saline intrusion occupants for non-potable use In a few major developments: and high levels of magnesium, (see water recycling systems, ● Ponds and wetlands sodium, chloride and sulphate are above). Small ponds or wetlands undesirable6). Regular monitoring Site conditions to consider when enhance flood storage capacity, is required for compliance with assessing the suitability of different enable high levels of filtering Environment Agency regulations. through plants & algae and also Monitoring can be automated or SUDS approaches include: offer the potential to recycle undertaken manually at scheduled ● Soil permeability grey water. Ponds and wetlands intervals. Quantity of water use ● can be fed by swales, filter may also be an issue in some Depth of water table drains or piped systems, and cases. ● Ground stability the use of inlet / outlet sumps ● Presence of contaminants in will help reduce sedimentation. the run-off ● Infiltration trenches, basins ● Size of catchment area and filter drains Infiltration trenches are stone ● Local hydrology and filled reservoirs where hydrogeology stormwater run-off is diverted. ● Development type Water gradually infiltrates the ground from the trench. Pollutant removal is by 6 www.environment-agency.gov.uk January 2002

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Swale

Outlet to Swale

Storage

Temporary overground storage Attenuates runoff Filters runoff Infiltration Groundwater recharge Low maintenance Landscaping value

Porous pavement

Porous Paving

Optional Surface Emergency Overflow Pipe Water Drain Gravel Filter Course Geotextile Membrane (Polythelene liner if surface Groundwater Infiltration water drain option)

Attenuates runoff Filters runoff Groundwater recharge Runoff storage Can be used in existing locations Low maintenance

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absorption, filtering and groundwater cooling to operate The property uses only around microbial decomposition in the effectively. In Portcullis House the 70-80 m3 of mains water per year, surrounding soil. extracted groundwater is also used around half the average for a two in the building’s greywater system person household. SUDS can also be incorporated further enhancing the onto building surfaces, e.g. as environmental performance of the green or turf roofs providing further Further information building. It is estimated that the benefits to biodiversity and visual GLA building will use only a quarter John Doggart amenity. of the energy of an equivalent sized Tel: 07785 360 218 Implementation of SUDS can lead air conditioned office. [email protected] to cost savings, e.g. avoiding or reducing the need to construct or Further information access surface water sewers or Liverpool John Moores pipe connections to distant outfalls. Foster and Partners By using landscaping features that Tel: 020 7738 0455 University www.fosterandpartners.com would already be provided as part Liverpool John Moores University of the site scheme (e.g. grassed undertook a full review of the amenity areas, car parking) SUDS RDA Management Limited University’s water consumption offers further cost savings. Tel: 01428 652330 and instigated change in a number of areas. Following leak repairs Developers are encouraged to www.portcullis-house.com and the integration of water consider ways in which SUDS can supplies, new installations be incorporated into proposals and included fitted automatic controls should contact either Westminster Rainwater harvesting to urinal flushers in toilets at its City Council or their water and halls of residence and a roof drainage utility (Thames Water). at The Coach House, Belsize Park rainwater collection system. In 1998, the university spent Case studies During the refurbishment of this £257,000 on water consumption, in domestic building a rainwater 2001, the water bill was just storage and re-use system was £95,000. The one-off investment Using groundwater incorporated into the building costs were £75,000. for cooling (Portcullis structure. A storage tank was located in the bathroom and used Further information House; and City Hall to feed the property’s low flush SE1, Greater London WCs (dual flush units using 5 or 3 Energy Manager, Liverpool Authority Building) litres per flush). The rainwater John Moores University recycling system is powered Tel: 0151 231 5524 Both these prestigious new London entirely by gravity and a www.livjm.ac.uk buildings make use of the passive connection to the property’s cooling potential of groundwater mains supply ensures continued accessed by boreholes into the supply when there is insufficient chalk. In order to use groundwater rain. The rainwater system requires for cooling it is necessary to very little maintenance other than minimise the cooling load to a level cleaning of the filter once a year that can be controlled by passive (which takes about 5 minutes). techniques. In both Portcullis House and City Hall, SE1 building, passive solar design principles have been used to provide ventilation and control over the building’s heating load, enabling

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 46

Environment Agency Provides extensive information on techniques for saving water. Tel: 0845 933 3111 www.environment-agency.tv/nwdmc/index.htm

Water Regulations Advisory Service Information on Water Regulations, an approved plumbers scheme including a guidance note on Conservation of Water. Tel: 01495 248 454, www.wras.co.uk

Water saving devices Thames Water provides information to customers on water saving devices, water metering and free hippos. Tel: 0845 9200 888, www.thames-water.com/waterwise

The Bathroom Association provides information on suppliers of water saving devices, Tel: 01782 747123, www.bathroom-association.org

Rainwater harvesting and water recycling Sustainable Homes provides information on good practice on incorporating sustainable development principles into housing. Tel: 020 8973 0429, www.sustainablehomes.co.uk

Construction Resources provides information and supplies a wide range of water saving, rainwater harvesting and water recycling products. Tel: 020 7450 2211 www.ecoconstruct.com

Water Regulations Advisory Service - guidance leaflet on Reclaimed Water Systems. www.wras.co.uk

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 47 7 Land, Objective Sustainability context Landscape Summary Sustainability solutions and Wildlife Case studies Signposts

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 48

Section 7 Land, Landscape and Wildlife

Objective Sustainability Landscaping can use large context quantities of resources and water. To optimise the use of However, through careful shared external spaces with Using sustainability considerations selection of materials and design it full consideration for to design a high quality outdoor is possible to minimise these environment will help to: impacts significantly and even biodiversity, resource use, integrate landforms into water and character. ● Provide habitats management systems (see Westminster has a range of Section 6, Water). habitats that contribute to biodiversity. However of the City’s 2,204 hectares, 80% are Summary built upon. The built environment and its surroundings offer many Development proposals should opportunities to contribute fully consider the following issues: to the city’s biodiversity. ● Protect and enhance Developments can help to existing habitats provide suitable habitats to Protect and enhance existing support a range of species that biodiversity value through will flourish in urban maintenance and management. environments. ● Built and vertical habitats ● Provide amenity Building features, walls and Well designed landscaping can other structures can provide provide a valuable public space habitats for species. for recreation and interaction. Landscaping can also help set ● Green corridors the tone for a locality and Continuous linear areas of enhance the cityscape. planting provide corridors for the movement of smaller wildlife. ● Provide an improved microclimate ● Design Well designed landscaping can Use landscape design to result in improved local climatic achieve low maintenance and conditions, i.e. reduced wind, low resource intensive (e.g. appropriate shading and water) outcomes. shelter, increased moisture ● Sustainable materials retention. Incorporate low environmental ● Environmental benefits impact materials. Plants and green spaces in Westminster assist with cleansing the air of pollutants, slowing down stormwater run-off and absorbing pollutants from rainwater7. 7 Building Green, 1995, Johnston, J & Newton, J; London Ecology Unit

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Sustainability Where a site has existing hedges, solutions topsoil, log piles or other valuable habitat features, seek to preserve these during the construction Protection, creation phase. and enhancement Select plant species suitable to the of habitats local environment and use native species. Almost all development sites will have some existing or potential Use ground cover to provide a value as wildlife habitat or public habitat for birds, small mammals space. Site design and landscaping and invertebrates. should seek to preserve or Plant shrubs of dense berry or fruit enhance existing habitats and bearing habit to provide safe nest features. Westminster’s Sites of Green roofs sites and food (e.g. holly, hawthorn Importance for Nature and ivy). These provide support for Conservation are detailed in the biodiversity. The three main types8 UDP (See policy ENV 15). Avoid hybrid plants that do not are: produce pollen or nectar and Site habitats and species should be therefore do not provide a food ● Intensive assessed. This should include a source for insects. Roof gardens, similar to desk and field survey which gardens or parks at ground includes protected species (under Consider how wildlife needs can be level, usually constructed over Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981), met whilst also providing amenity reinforced concrete decks, Sites of Importance for Nature and shared space for building normally accessible, requiring Conservation, Westminster occupants. Some shy bird species frequent maintenance. Biodiversity Action Plan priority (such as song thrush, warblers and ● species and habitats (including spotted flycatcher) benefit from Simple intensive house sparrow, bats, tawny owl, private areas where public access Vegetated with lawns, ground certain species of butterfly and is more restricted. covering plants and requiring dragonfly). Refer to the regular maintenance including Westminster Biodiversity Action irrigation. Moderate demands Plan for information on suitable Built and vertical are placed upon the building management techniques for the habitats structure, with occassional habitats and species covered by access required. this. Vertical habitats are natural or man ● Extensive made structures that support, or Vegetation normally consists of Assess whether any existing could support, biodiversity. Vertical mosses, succulents, herbs or features on the site are subject to and built habitats include green grasses intended to be self- protection orders, e.g. Tree roofs, walls, roof gardens, sustaining and not irrigated, Preservation Orders (the City terraces, balconies, fences and with minimal maintenance Council can provide advice on the window boxes. As the built requirements. This type is treatment of protected trees and on environment covers more than normally not accessible, except tree replacement and planting). double the area of greenspace in for basic maintenance, and is Note that similar protection applies Westminster it is important that least demanding on the building to trees in Conservation Areas. buildings contribute fully to supporting biodiversity. Seek to incorporate wildlife habitats into new developments and enhance existing habitats. 8 Guidelines for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites; 1995; FLL German Landscape Development Research Society

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structure. Examples are a Green roofs normally improve Facades / walls sedum or aggregate roof. insulation and thermal efficiency Planting on flanking / facade walls and there are no special fire risks Design and construction of green has a number of biodiversity associated with low vegetation9. roofs need to take into account: benefits including providing Green Roofs can be used to additional wildlife habitat, ● Building structure (load weight recreate wildlife habitat areas or maintaining cooling in summer and of wet soil, plants etc) urban wasteland habitats which reducing heat loss in winter. Green ● Waterproofing can attract native species (e.g. facades include lichens, mosses, (e.g. membranes) black redstart). grasses, flowering and climbing plants. Planting should be planned ● Building fabric Nest boxes so that safe access to the wall ● Growing medium / soil depth surface and particularly any Installation of nest boxes for birds services (downpipes, gutters, ● Species (mosses, succulents, and bats at suitable locations can flues, etc) are maintained. sedum, wild flower, shrubs, provide valuable habitats. A trelliswork that is spaced away trees, etc). from the wall itself can be used to ● Drainage (drainage layer) support non clinging climbing 10 ● Irrigation plants .

● Climate (wind, etc)

● Accessibility Green corridors 9 Green Roofs - existing status and potential for conserving biodiversity in Green corridors create landscape urban areas - Research Report for English Nature networks which help protect the city’s biodiversity. They allow some animals and plants to move between different habitats which helps sustain populations. A number of green corridors have been identified in Westminster11 (refer also to UDP ENV 15).

Where a development site is close to existing wildlife areas, ensure that a link between sites is not lost by including access corridors (e.g. hedgerows, shrubbery, green roofs), which extend habitat and enable species to travel between sites relatively safely.

10 Green Roofs - existing status and potential for conserving biodiversity in urban areas (2002). Research Report for English Nature

11 Nature Conservation Strategy (1995) Westminster City Council

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Design - low water and low maintenance landscaping

Low water use gardens Dry gardens or low water use gardens are an effective way of reducing the water consumption. Low water use gardens can be achieved by selecting drought- resistant plants (e.g. lavender, rosemary, foxtail lily, thyme, daisy bush), using water-retaining mulches (e.g. tree bark, compost, coconut husks or newspaper).

Covering outdoor areas in hardstanding rather than greenery is not encouraged because this increases problems of run-off.

Automatic irrigation systems are water efficient and cost effective solutions that provide regular watering as required, depending upon weather conditions.

Install water butts to collect water from rainwater downpipe outlets to Investing more initially should Choose low environment impact reduce future maintenance materials - certified sustainable use on gardens. requirements and will also timber, recycled materials (e.g. See also Section 6, Water & encourage community pride. recycled timber, glassphalt). Drainage. See also Section 10, Materials. Maintenance costs of a facility may be reduced if the community Avoid use of peat, scarce tropical Maintenance has a greater sense of ownership hardwood, weather-worn limestone Landscaping features can have and an increased responsibility and other materials from vulnerable relatively high maintenance towards the success (and upkeep) habitats (refer also to UDP policy requirements. External works such of a shared resource. ENV 1). Extraction of these as paving and landscaping can be materials has significant adverse vulnerable if specification is hasty effects, including the reduction of and the long term maintenance Low environment biodiversity. implications are not budgeted for. impact materials Inappropriate specification will often lead to a rapid deterioration in The areas of landscaping can be the built environment. significant in some developments so the choice of materials can have considerable environmental impacts.

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concrete. The roof has been sown cover and territories for a number with wild flower mix and then left of birds, including dunnocks, robins to colonise naturally. A second part and blue tits. consists of volcanic pellets covered by mosses and lichens. Further information Royal Parks Head Gardener Further information Tel: 020 7298 2000 Nottingham Trent University Tel: 0115 8486011 www.construction.ntu.ac.uk Lillington Gardens housing estate, Pimlico Police Support Lillington Gardens (formerly Pimlico Building, Village) is a housing estate Case Studies comprising some 940 properties Buckingham Palace and is home to over 1,800 people. This building replaced a soil mound Designed and built 30 years ago, Green roofs erected to screen the Palace the residents include it in community initiatives. It has active There are a number of green roofs garden from the windows of a nearby hotel. The designer’s remit play and youth groups, as well as in existence on London buildings. a keen residents’ association, all of At the Horniman Museum in Forest was to replicate (as far as which have enabled the following Hill, south London the CUE building possible) the original mound. projects to be undertaken: has a green grass roof. The building To achieve this a roof garden was been constructed from sustainable incorporated into the building ● A wildlife area which has a materials and incorporates passive design. Planting consists of pond, surrounded by a ventilation techniques. species including alder, birch, sympathetic planting regime. dogwood, holly, rose and various The pond is home to a variety At Canary Wharf the London ivies. of fauna including frogs and Underground-leased building has a dragonflies. roof garden. This roof uses a low Since the planting, some areas growing ‘sedum blanket’ in golf have become populated with ● Mixed native species hedge. green shapes across the roof brambles and elder. This is not Over 50 metres in length, this terrace. controlled as they provide extra hedge forms a considerable cover and food sources for wildlife. habitat. Comprised of hawthorn, At Cannon Street an impressive spindle, field maple, hazel and The planted areas are only 600 mm example of a lawned and shrubbed holly, the hedge is home to a deep, so need to be regularly roof has been installed above the variety of birds. railway station. It is a significant irrigated. However, very little ● The estate also houses a quiet area of green open space and also maintenance is carried out so there garden, which is fully provides a bowling area. is little disturbance to the site. When pruning takes place, cuttings accessible to people with As part of the regeneration are left on-site to provide habitat for disabilities. Again, the planting programme in the Deptford Creek fungi and beetles. The site is regime consists of a mosaic of area, the new Laban Dance Centre fertilised once a year using an native species which help to has been constructed. The centre organic fertiliser. attract wildlife. has been designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron. It includes a The roof garden provides an Further information green roof covering approximately excellent backdrop to the Palace Estate Officer 600m2. Split into two distinct garden and softens the view from Tel: 020 7641 2076 elements, one part is an aggregate Buckingham Palace Road. roof constructed using brick and The garden also provides good

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 53

Westminster City Council

● Westminster Biodiversity Partnership: - Westminster Biodiversity Action Plan - ‘How your garden might help’, ‘Tawny Owl’, ‘Making Space for House Sparrows’ biodiversity leaflets Tel: 020 7641 1951, www.westminster.gov.uk

● Trees in Westminster, including Tree Preservation Orders. Tel: 020 7641 2618 / 2619

General contacts Further information on enhancing the wildlife value of land use and landscaping can be found from:

● Building Green, Johnston, J and Newton, J, 1995, London Ecology Unit

● Sustainable Settlements - a guide for planners, designers and developers, 1995. Local Government Management Board / University of the West of England

● Green Roofs - Existing Status & Potential for Conserving Biodiversity in Urban Areas, 2002. Grant, G; Engleback, L; Nicholson, B - English Nature Research Report by Ecoschemes Ltd

● Groundwork, Tel: 0121 236 8565, www.groundwork.org.uk

● The London Wildlife Trust Tel: 020 7261 0447, www.wildlondon.org.uk

● The Bat Conservation Trust, Tel: 020 7627 2629, www.bats.org.uk

● English Nature, Tel: 020 7340 4870, www.english-nature.org.uk - Peregrine Falcon - advice note about nesting on buildings in London ● Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Tel: 01767 680551, www.rspb.org.uk Information on green roofs - Nottingham Trent University www.construction.ntu.ac.uk/staffwebs/greenroofs

Information on native tree species - www.british-trees.com/links/home.htm

Information on wildlife gardening - www.gardenlinks.ndo.co.uk

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Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 55 8 Transport Objective Sustainability context

Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 8 Transport

Objective Sustainability To support public transport context accessibility, walking and Buildings impact upon transport in cycling and other a number of ways including accessibility, congestion12, pollution sustainable methods and health. Integrating land use of transport. and transport is dealt with and priority services. The following comprehensively in the UDP, points should be considered in the however this section considers a design of developments: few basic approaches to ensure that a development supports ● Developments should have sustainable transport. good access and circulation that allow for pedestrian movement, cycling and use of Sustainability public transport rather than the solutions private car. Good access should be provided for those with mobility or sensory Urban design impairments. Westminster has excellent access ● Access to and from public to public transport. There are four transport should be as main line termini in Westminster attractive as possible: and every Underground line - The connection should be (except the East London and accessible. Waterloo & City lines) passes - Access to and from the through the City. In addition there node should be safe, are 74 day time and 57 night time i.e. well-lit and open. bus routes operating in Westminster. Transport and land - Larger developments should use policies are integrated to have integrated public reduce the need to travel and transport information impact on the environment. systems. The City Council has policies which ● Places of work should provide control both on and off street their employees with secure parking to reduce overall parking cycle storage facilities and demand and increase the showers to encourage availability of space for essential commuting by bicycle.

● The City Council encourages the development of Green Travel 12 The CBI estimates that the cost of Plans. These represent congestion to the British economy is measures to enable greener, approximately £15 billion every year. cleaner travel choices and CBI Moving Forward: a business strategy for transport, 1995 reduced reliance on the car.

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Transport impact estate. Discounts are available for ● BedZED residents have access assessments bicycle purchases and repairs and to a car pool, with a an audit of changing and showering combination of fossil fuel and Certain types of development will facilities has been undertaken. electric cars (including a van require transport impact Cycle maps, cycle journey times and people carrier) available for assessments - for more and walking maps are also hire by the hour. It is estimated information, see UDP Chapter 4 available. that each pool car will reduce (policy TRANS 14) and Appendix the need for between four and The Travel Plan also covers fleet 4.1. six private cars. vehicles, servicing and deliveries and local transport initiatives. ● BedZED has been designed to Case studies Initiatives include encouraging low encourage bicycle use, with emission and alternative fuel generous bicycle storage and vehicles e.g. electric and LPG. an on-site repair service. Regent’s Place The Transport Forum is also looking ● Parking spaces are available, Travel Plan at estate-wide or joint ordering but residents have to pay extra. schemes along with encouraging ● Regent's Place is a 4.2 hectare suppliers to use low emission Residents and workers receive estate owned by a subsidiary of vehicles. membership of the BedZED the British Land Company Plc. It is travel co-operative, giving them a discount with a local minicab estimated that Regent’s Place will Further information have a working population of about firm, free supermarket shopping 8,500 people. The site has Vicinitee delivery, reduced rate bicycle excellent access to public transport Tel: 020 7505 4000 repairs and reduced rate travel facilities - bus, tube and rail. The www.vicinitee.com on public transport. Travel Plan covers all properties at the estate and aims to encourage Further information better environmental travel choices BedZED, Sutton Peabody Trust amongst their staff and visitors. Tel: 020 7922 0202 The Travel Plan has been tailored BedZED is the first UK www.bedzed.org.uk to address the following transport development to include a total www.peabody.org.uk needs: commuter journeys, transport strategy as part of its business travel, visitor access, specification. Peabody Trust and servicing and deliveries. the London Borough of Sutton have agreed a legally binding A staff travel survey was Green Transport Plan as part of the undertaken in December 2000. conditions of planning permission. 90% of employees use public Reducing car use has been the transport as their main mode of focus of the strategy. All roads and transport to work, 4% cycle or parking are at the perimeter of the walk to work, compared with 6% development. The following list travelling by car. A company travel details the efforts made to reduce survey was also carried out. dependency on the car: Initiatives under the plan included dissemination of travel information ● The development is a mixture through internet, display screens of residential and workspace, and booklets. The Regent’s Place giving some residents the Bicycle Users Group supports opportunity to work on site, and cycling to Regent’s Place - cycle so cutting down on commuting. parking has been provided in a Homes and workspaces have basement carpark. Short stay ISDN telecommunication spaces are available around the facilities.

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Westminster City Council UDP Chapter 4 and Appendix 4.1, provides more detailed information on transportation policy in Westminster. Tel: 020 7641 3326 www.westminster.gov.uk/udp

Cycling The London Cycling Campaign (including the Westminster Cycling Campaign) can provide information on key issues relating to cycling in the city. Tel: 020 7928 7220 www.lcc.org.uk www.westminstercyclists.fsnet.co.uk

The London Cycle Network can provide advice on designing facilities for cyclists in developments. Tel: 020 8547 5907 www.londoncyclenetwork.org

Green Travel Plans Department for Transport information on Travel Plans for employers is available at www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/travelplans/index.htm

Envirowise have a Green Travel Plan pack available Tel: 0800 585 794 for a free copy

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 59 9 Waste Objective Sustainability context

Summary

Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 9 Waste

Objective Sustainability ● Pollution and human toxicity context Many wastes generate toxic To minimise and manage by-products for people when waste during construction In 2000-2001, 245,555 tonnes of disposed and pose a risk of and demolition to ensure municipal waste were produced in atmospheric, ground or water Westminster. Approximately 50% contamination. that developments have the of this was landfilled (in capacity to manage waste surrounding counties), and a effectively. further 37% was incinerated. Summary Only around 12% was recycled. Development proposals should consider the following: Minimisation and effective management of waste results in a ● Design wide range of benefits, mainly by Use of pre-fabricated and reducing demand on resources and standardised components, helping to minimise the risks/ incorporating ‘loose fit’ impacts associated with resource principles to enhance flexibility extraction, transportation and (See Section 3, Design) disposal. Some of the key issues are: ● Waste & recycling storage Ensure that the finished ● Efficient use development will include Poor waste management fails storage space for separated to make most efficient use of materials to enable their resources that are collection for recycling. economically, environmentally Such facilities should be and socially costly. provided on each floor of a building and in each dwelling in ● Landfill residential developments The burying of biodegradable waste results in greenhouse ● Minimisation of construction gas emissions as methane. and demolition waste Re-use or recycle construction ● Transportation and demolition waste Movement of materials and waste. Much of London's ● Specifications resources and waste disposal Incorporate design sites are some distance away specifications for use of re-used from their point of use / or recycled materials generation (e.g. Essex, Unless there are exceptional Bedfordshire). Waste is circumstances, all buildings should generally high mass, and thus be able to be serviced by a its transportation is energy standard waste collection vehicle intensive and generates air operated by the City Council or pollution, congestion and noise. private contractor.

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Sustainability solutions Sustainable waste management is concerned with producing less waste, and dealing better with waste that is produced. The waste hierarchy provides a framework for sustainable waste management.

1. Reduction By minimisation of waste generation and use of natural resources 2. Re-use 3. Recycling 4. Recovery Including energy and materials. 5. Disposal This is the least desirable option within the waste hierarchy.

Design The design of a building is critical to ensure that sustainable waste management can be achieved. ● Storage and recycling ● Specification Integration of sustainable waste facilities Reduce waste by only management principles into Design of suitable individual purchasing and specifying what design includes: or shared waste sorting and is needed for the project. Make recycling facilities (such as sure there has been careful ● Pre-fabricated components integrating recycling bins or measurement and consideration This minimises waste on site composting areas into the of different materials. as most labour-intensive (and building or site fabric). For example, specification of often wasteful) processes have Provision of local shared reclaimed materials such as already been done (e.g. wet recycling facilities for new reclaimed tiles, recycled trades). residential or mixed use newspaper insulation or ● Standardised components developments, e.g. paper, ‘glasphalt’ (a landscaping Modular or standardised design glass, plastics, cans, and material made from reduces waste at the outset. clothing. Provision of local recycled glass). facilities encourages uptake of ● Flexibility of design ● Composting recycling and reduces the need This will ensure that a building Provide a composting facility in to drive to a central facility. can be re-used more readily and properties with gardens or (See UDP Policy ENV 10, Waste has a longer lifespan. Flexible landscaped space. and Recycling and guidance design also reduces the need note, Waste & Recycling ● Vehicles for major refurbishments. Storage Requirements for Building design should include further information). waste management systems which do not require servicing by specialist vehicles.

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Construction returned to the supplier for ● To acknowledge regional reuse. This not only saves on differences in environmental Waste should be designed-out of waste, but also on empty lorry needs and practices by construction by using value movements, as the lorry can establishing adaptable local engineering and lean construction return to the manufacturer programmes, designed to approaches as far as possible. partially full of reusable or improve the performance of Examples of sustainable waste recyclable material. each individual hotel. management practices in construction include: ● Composting of organic ● To identify ways to participate wastes in local community action on ● ‘Just in time’ construction On-site facilities should be the environment worldwide. Only those components provided to supplement topsoil ● To develop awareness of (and workers) that are needed for landscaping. environmental issues internally immediately are kept on site. and externally through a variety Stockpiling of materials of education and training increases the likelihood of Disposal initiatives. damage and waste of During building disposal, efforts As part of this, the May Fair resources. should be made to conserve and InterContinental has on-site waste ● Sorting of waste streams re-use as much material as sorting in an area of the hotel Sorting of waste may result in possible. Many building materials loading bay. Waste is separated considerably more recycling can be reclaimed, e.g. tiles and into cardboard, three types of and re-use of waste products. bricks. If reclamation is not viable, glass, paper, aluminium and food It may also result in decreased materials can be recycled for use waste. The waste contractor then landfill costs. as aggregate. takes suitable waste to be ● Re-use of materials recycled. As part of this process Building materials such as Case Studies the hotel has identified that items bricks, tiles and slates can all such as cutlery, crockery and linen be readily re-used if sites can have been mistakenly discarded accommodate their storage. Waste management and these can be returned to the hotel for continued use. ● Recycling of and recovery at the The May Fair from waste streams InterContinental Hotel With careful planning of space Further information for stockpiling (and screening) InterContinental Hotels have a six Bass PLC, London on site, inert wastes can be point environmental commitment: Tel: 020 7409 1919 used for landscaping or for ● To conserve natural resources www.sixcontinents.com areas of hardstanding. On larger and energy within its hotels projects, waste products can be without sacrificing safety standards or jeopardising guest Murray Grove, satisfaction. Hackney ● To select only products and materials from environmentally July 1999 saw the assembly of responsible resources, whose Murray Grove, the UK’s first multi- use - wherever possible - has storey ‘modular’ housing positive beneficial effects. development. Peabody commissioned the development in ● To minimise and efficiently a bid to establish more efficient manage waste production, building methods in the face of ensuring the least possible spiralling construction costs and a negative impact on the widespread skills shortage. environment.

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Westminster City Council Waste & Recycling Policy ENV 10 of the Unitary Development Plan. The Waste & Recycling Storage Requirements booklet sets out more detailed information on waste storage policy in Westminster. Westminster City Council Tel: 020 7641 7962 Steel ‘modules’, manufactured by www.westminster.gov.uk/udp Yorkon on a high-precision production line in York, were transported by lorry to the Hackney Sustainable waste management site for assembly, complete with fixtures and fittings, including The Wastebook is a compendium of information sources relating to carpets, kitchens, bathrooms and the sustainable management of waste in London and the South-East. electrics. The information can be accessed online and provides information on recyclers, consultants, waste service providers, suppliers of recycled Over the course of 5 days, the first products, etc. phase of 35 modules was craned www.recycle.mcmail.com/content.htm into place to form the five storey elevation on Shepherdess Walk. CIRIA produce a wide range of information relating to the efficient The second phase of assembly - management of construction wastes, including: waste reduction, a further 39 modules - was re-use and recycling in construction demonstration projects. installed, again taking 5 days. The Research Project 582 CIRIA 2001, London finishing touches, including Tel: 020 7222 8891, www.ciria.org.uk terracotta cladding and balconies, The Institute of Waste Management provides advice and links to were added on site and the 30 professional support on a wide range of waste management issues. apartment key worker Tel: 01604 620426, www.iwm.co.uk development was completed in December 1999. London Remade provide information on products made from recycled materials and the Mayor's Green Procurement code. By reducing time on site, cutting Tel: 020 7665 1536, www.londonremade.com down on waste of materials, minimising the impact to the Wastewatch maintain a comprehensive on-line UK Recycled Products residents’ environment and guide, www.recycledproducts.org.uk decreasing the cost of providing social housing in London, the scheme promotes sustainable On-site waste management living in the capital. SMARTStart and SMARTWaste are tools to assist with waste management on construction sites Further information: Tel: 01923 664 462, www.bre.co.uk Peabody Trust Tel: 020 7922 0202 www.peabody.org.uk

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Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 65 10 Materials Objective Sustainability context

Summary

Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 10 Materials

Objective Sustainability ● Energy context 6% of UK energy is used to To use appropriate materials produce and transport in Westminster’s buildings, Material selection and sourcing construction materials14. affects the sustainability of a bearing in mind their ● Pollution and toxicity building in several ways. aesthetic qualities and Some building materials This ranges from the extraction of generate pollution during their whole life impacts. raw materials to the impacts of manufacture, disposal or use. material use on building Pollution may result from performance. Key aspects energy use or other elements of include: manufacturing processes. ● Minerals extraction Chemical constituents of The UK construction industry materials may also contain uses 6 tonnes of building pollutants. The impacts of materials per head of pollution include air, water, and population each year13 - the vast soil damage, and impacts on majority of this is minerals. human health.

● Forestry ● Habitat destruction If managed appropriately The extraction of some forestry can provide a valuable materials such as peat and and sustainable resource. limestone can have significant However, much timber impacts on important habitats produced internationally and landscape features. involves the use of unsustainable practices leading to deforestation, loss of habitat, and pollution. Energy used in the transportation of such timber is another significant adverse impact.

13 Ecohomes: The environmental rating for homes, BRE 2000

14 Transport and buildings: the environmental impact, BRE 1999

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● Waste disposal Summary Re-use and recycle An estimated 72.5 million tonnes of construction waste Development proposals should Re-use existing materials from the were disposed of in 199915. consider the following issues: site. Of this, 13 million tonnes were ● Appropriate materials Consider using building materials thrown away unused as a Select materials appropriate to made from recycled construction result of poor design and the building use and locality, and demolition waste in preference planning16 (for more information bearing in mind the likely to primary aggregates. Many types on construction waste see refurbishment cycle (particularly of construction waste can be used Section 8, Waste). for Listed Buildings or those in for these purposes including soil, ● Building performance Conservation Areas). asphalt, concrete, bricks, and tiles. Specification of inappropriate Wastes often need to be crushed ● Re-use, reclaimed, recycled materials will significantly and screened to ensure that the materials affect the lifetime performance recycled aggregate is of an Whenever possible re-use of a building. Materials appropriate and regular existing materials or procure specification influences a consistency. Recycling of reclaimed and recycled building’s running costs, aggregate may be done in situ on materials. comfort levels and the larger sites, or the waste may be productivity of occupants17. ● Low lifecycle impacts transported to a local waste Materials selection may also Procure materials that have low transfer station. It is also possible affect the commercial value lifecycle environmental and to procure aggregates that have a of a property. toxicity impacts. specified percentage of recycled content. If recycling is undertaken Materials must enable the ● Local materials on site, precautions must be taken completed building to integrate Procure materials locally (as with regards to noise and dust. well into its surroundings. In appropriate) to reduce their certain locations this may require transportation impacts. Carefully store and recycle roof the use of traditional construction tiles and slates. or cladding materials (e.g. Portland stone or red brick). For further Sustainability Recycle bricks. This is made easier information on heritage solutions by using readily removable lime- requirements relating to material based mortar. selection contact the City Council’s Procure reclaimed and recycled Development Planning Services Appropriate materials materials. Bricks, roof slates and and see the SPG: Design Matters For properties with a long predicted even walls and flooring can be in Westminster. lifespan, specify a high standard. obtained from specialist sales However, if the building, or its outlets, a list of these is provided internal fit out, is to be short term in ‘Signposts’ at the end of this (for example, a shop fit out or section. residential kitchen) then it may be more appropriate to specify a lower grade of material (while still Low lifecycle impacts considering its environmental and 15 Construction and demolition waste aesthetic implications). As a general principle, lower mass survey: National survey of the materials, which are less the production recycling and disposal of construction and demolition waste in product of intensive manufacturing England and Wales, 1999-2000, processes, have a more favourable Environment Agency 2001 environmental profile. Guidance 16 Building a better quality of life: A documents are available that detail strategy for more sustainable the specific environmental impacts construction, DETR 2000 of building materials (see 17 BREEAM 98 for offices, BRE 1998 Signposts).

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External walls Once installed in a building, natural Flooring thermal insulation has a number of The most suitable choice of Specify flooring made from natural benefits including the ability to material depends on a wide range materials that undergo little breathe and absorb moisture and of whole life cycle effects. manufacturing processing and consequently reduce the risk of have a reduced environmental condensation and damp. Natural Where aesthetic considerations impact. Examples of these include insulation materials can offer permit, consider lightweight linoleum, cork, timber and effective thermal insulation and systems such as timber and steel- seagrass coverings. Wool carpets perform well over time (not always frame and low mass aerated and natural flooring tiles (such as achievable with some conventional blockwork, which have less direct those made of ceramic and insulation products). These environmental impact than high terazzo) also have relatively low materials can be used in most mass masonry such as brickwork. environmental impacts. High levels of insulation can cavities and in most property be achieved as easily in lightweight types. Paints systems. Specify timber products from independently certified forests Windows Specify paints that are water or (e.g. Forest Stewardship Council vegetable oil based. These have Use timber windows which have certification). lower environmental and health reduced environmental impacts implications than solvent based and lower lifecycle costs compared However, high mass wall cladding paints. systems (e.g. brick cladding) have with their PVC counterparts18. very low maintenance Replacement windows should be The principal ingredient of natural requirements and a long life, designed to complement the paints is linseed oil. They have no therefore the whole life costs architectural style and detailing of odour and no associated health associated with them can be the existing building. Refer also to risks. Natural paints offer a number lower. Thermal mass can also help the UDP Chapter 10, Urban Design of benefits over conventional reduce energy use, for example and Conservation (DES 5, DES 9 synthetic paints, including allowing through passive solar design and paragraphs 10.3.8, 10.6.7b). moisture to pass through them, techniques. Steel windows also perform whilst still being waterproof, relatively well. reducing paint flaking and Avoid aluminium which, despite its alleviating problems with damp Aluminium windows are less low mass, undergoes extremely and condensation. energy intensive production suitable because of their energy processes and therefore has intensive manufacture. The oils and resins used in natural increased environmental impacts. paints are those same oils and Specify timber products from resins that trees and plants use to independently certified forests. nourish and protect themselves Thermal insulation materials Work closely with reliable from rot and insect attack. When suppliers, to seek documentary Natural insulation materials made used in wood priming products, evidence that supplies are from from renewable plant or animal they penetrate deep within the legal sources and well-managed sources have simple timber fibres, giving new timber forests. The specification clause manufacturing processes. long lasting protection. Examples of natural thermal should place a condition on the insulation products include flax, supplier’s practices, rather than on Most linseed oil based paints do sheep wool, recycled newspaper, the country of origin or a particular not fully harden for several years. jute sacking and cellulose. These tree species19. They therefore stay flexible longer, products have reduced health risks expanding and contracting with the during manufacture and installation timber as atmospheric conditions and are fully biodegradable. 18 BRE Green Guides Materials change. This reduces the risk of the Specification for Offices and Housing coating cracking, which would (1998 and 2000) result in the timber becoming 19 Forests Forever Factfile October 2001 exposed. (www.forestsforever.org.uk/factfile.html)

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Case studies Harlow Park, Liverpool Low embodied energy and Construction sustainable materials were used in this social housing development. Resources, London Use of low weight materials has Construction Resources is a resulted in the development being London based builders merchant around 70% lighter than specialising in sustainable conventionally constructed materials. During refurbishment of buildings. The embodied energy of their head office building, as many materials is also between 50 and of the products as possible were 90% lower than with the use of built into the working fabric of the comparative conventional building, providing ‘live’ materials. Natural materials were demonstration in addition to the used where possible (e.g. linoleum Linseed oil has excellent levelling static display. Sustainable rather than PVC flooring). The properties. It dries to a smooth film materials used in the building building also used recycled bricks, that is free from brush marks, include: newspaper insulation, and organic essential for high quality decorative paints and finishes. Material ● Natural insulation materials for work. selection avoided the use of thermal and acoustic insulation materials that contain substances Natural paints use renewable (wool, flax, recycled newsprint) that could impact upon health. materials such as tree oils and ● Natural paint finishes materials which are in plentiful Further Information supply such as clay and chalk. ● Natural wood and unfired clay Their manufacture uses low walls Architype amounts of energy, and creates Other sustainable initiatives Tel: 020 7403 2889 minimal pollution and waste. pursued in the refurbishment www.architype.co.uk include:

● Water saving taps, WCs and urinals

● A rainwater harvesting system which fully services the building requirements throughout the year

● Energy efficient heating and lighting

● Azur solar collectors (store solar energy and contribute to the building's heating system)

Further information Construction Resources Tel: 020 7450 2211 www.ecoconstruct.com

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Material specification

● The BRE Green Guide to Specification (2002) and Green Guide to Housing Specification (2000), provide information on the environmental performance of a wide range of different building materials. Both are available from BRE, Tel: 01923 664262, www.brebookshop.com

● Timber - Forestry Stewardship Council, Tel: 01686 413916, www.fscoax.org or UK Working Group - www.fsc-uk.demon.co.uk/fscukinfo.html

● Limestone - Cumbria Wildlife Trust for information on limestone habitats, Tel: 01539 816300, www.limestone-pavements.org.uk

● Peat - ODPM, Tel: 020 7944 4400, www.planning.odpm.gov.uk/peatland

● Life Cycle Assessment of PVC and Alternative Materials DEFRA 2001, available from DEFRA Chemicals and Biotechnology Unit, www.defra.gov.uk

Sustainable materials and building products The following organisations supply sustainable materials and building products:

● Construction Resources, Tel: 020 7450 2211, www.ecoconstruct.com

● Green Building Store, Tel: 01484 854898, www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk

● James and James European Database of Suppliers of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Products and Services, Tel: 020 7387 8558, www.jxj.com/suppands/edseeb

Reclaimed and recycled materials The following organisations are able to provide listings or contacts for sourcing reclaimed or recycled materials:

● DEFRA Materials Information Exchange, http://cig.bre.co.uk/connet/mie

● Wastewatch maintain a comprehensive on-line UK recycled products guide, Tel: 020 7089 2100, www.recycledproducts.org.uk

● Listings of architectural salvage dealers:

- Salvo, Tel: 01890 820333, www.salvo.co.uk - Period Property, Tel: 01223 290922, www.periodproperty.co.uk

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 71 11 Noise Objective Sustainability context

Summary

Sustainability solutions

Signposts

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Section 11 Noise

Objective Sustainability ● Biodiversity context Noise and human activity can To minimise noise from cause disturbance to wildlife development, ensuring that Noise is a major sustainability areas, disrupting animal noise impacts on adjoining issue. Westminster’s 24 hour noise behaviours and potentially affect team responds to over 17,000 properties are avoided or the viability of a habitat. reports of noise complaints a year. mitigated. Noise impacts upon health, productivity and quality of life at Summary home and in the workplace. It can Development proposals should also affect the ability to learn consider the following issues: effectively. ● Construction noise ● Nuisance The construction phase should Noise can be a significant be planned to limit both the nuisance. Persistent and level and duration of noise, intermittent operational noises, and minimise disturbance to such as those made by building premises and amenities in services plant, sound systems the area. or people, undermine people’s quality of life, and ultimately, ● Noise sources can damage community Identification of the main relationships. sources and receptors for noise during both construction and ● Health operational phases of Noise exposure can lead to development. sleep deprivation, temporary and permanent damage to ● Noise receivers hearing and other physiological Identification of nearest noise and psychological effects such sensitive premises. as stress and fatigue. ● Noise generating activities Construction site noise can be a Removal of noise generating health hazard for those who are activities or use of low noise working on site, and can be a alternative (e.g. pumps, fans, major irritant and potential etc). health hazard to people living and working nearby. ● Design Approaches to reduce exposure ● Productivity to noise (for example through Noise exposure can location of services or significantly affect productivity entrances); and the use of at work or school. Many places design features to reduce the of work and study have poor transmission of noise. Use acoustics and are thus easily appropriate materials to provide influenced by unwanted noise insulation against noise. generated by everyday activities.

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Sustainability ● When people are trying to sleep they are generally more solutions sensitive to lower levels of noise and in particular to impact Design to minimise noise. Materials with a higher density normally provide a noise disturbance greater sound insulation, The City Council adopts a proactive e.g. brick walls instead of stud approach to noise management in walls. This should be the city. Design is an important considered in particular for the element of this approach along design of bedrooms. with regulatory policies of ENV 6a ● Soft/porous materials do not and 6b. Noise attenuation involves generally provide a high level of controlling both the entry and exit noise insulation but can be used of noise. There are a number of along with materials of a higher Building services design and layout principles to density to increase the overall Building services can represent a consider in all developments. noise insulation of buildings. These are: major source of both internal and external noise generation and can ● Separate noise sources from Construction phase also provide pathways for noise areas requiring quiet by the transmission. It is important to greatest possible distance. Noise on construction sites is consider both the location and regulated by legislation. specification of services. ● Plan buildings or rooms not In addition, contractors can sign particularly susceptible to noise up to the Westminster In designing building services to act as screens or baffles Considerate Builders scheme the following measures should be between noise sources and Code of Good Environmental considered: quiet areas. For example, a Practice. Scheme members are ● Ensure that air ducts are hallway or bathroom between a regularly inspected for compliance simple, using a minimum of common stairway and a with a number of criteria, including fittings (branches and bends) bedroom, a kitchen or bathroom noise. Specifically, members must and free internal projections that in one flat should not be ensure that: adjacent to a bedroom in could result in noise from another. ● Noise from works, machinery rushing air. workers, radios, music, ● Connect building services such ● Acoustic louvres can be used to vehicles and all other sources as air extraction ducting away reduce noise being emitted from are kept to a minimum. from sensitive windows and vents and at the extraction point properties, and isolate from the ● No works are audible at the site of ducts. The louvres should be structure to prevent structural boundary outside permitted able to attenuate the noise noise transmission. hours of work. The permitted whilst still providing efficient hours of work are 08:00 -18:00 extraction / intake of air. ● Ensure that noise insulation is Monday to Friday; 08:00 - 13:00 considered for all aspects of a ● Ensure that fans are correctly Saturday and no noisy work on building and its operations. sized for the system and its Sunday or Bank Holidays For example, door or window loading. This will ensure that unless Westminster City specification and design can fans operate at optimum Council have agreed to it due significantly affect the insulating speeds (which are less noisy) to exceptional circumstances. properties of a room. Thicker, more often. Attenuaters or heavier doors and double glazed For more information on the silencers can be provided on windows provide greater noise scheme see Section 12, Site fans but care must be taken to insulation. Practices. ensure that they do not cause the fan to work at higher than

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optimum speeds to provide sufficient air to the equipment.

● The location of services, plant and other noise sources should be carefully considered. Such sources are preferably located in the basement, properly Westminster City Council isolated from the building structure with provision for air Westminster Unitary Development Plan, Policy ENV 6a and 6b Noise intake / extraction to ensure Pollution, www.westminster.gov.uk/udp that they are properly operated. Considerate Builders Scheme, Tel: 020 7641 3175 or write to Schemes ● Use acoustic and vibration Manager, 9th floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP insulating mounts for plant. Westminster Noise Team - advice on noise control, ● Well maintained plant and Tel: 020 7641 2000/1060, email [email protected] equipment produces less noise and uses less energy. Easy access to plant and Design equipment needs to be incorporated into the design DEFRA information and initiatives relating to environmental noise is phase. See also Section 5, Air. available at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise Association of Noise Consultants can provide a list of professional Places of consultants for noise and vibration, Tel: 01763 852 958 entertainment www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk The operation of places of entertainment is the source of a Suppliers of acoustic products and services large number of noise complaints The Institute of Acoustics maintains a list of suppliers of acoustic to the Council. While many products and services and is also a good source of information on aspects are dealt with in the current research and best practice. license conditions, a number of Tel: 01727 848195, www.ioa.org.uk factors should be considered as early as possible:

● Concertina windows / fully Building services openable frontages are not The following organisations can provide advice on control of noise from generally acceptable as these building services: arrangements often lead to noise breakout problems. ● Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE): Guide B5 - Noise and Vibration Control (2002). ● Speakers, bass bins and Tel: 0208 675 5211, www.cibse.org amplifiers should, where possible, not be attached to the ● Building Services Research and Information Association: fabric of the building. Anti- Tel: 01344 426511, www.bsria.co.uk vibration mounts and rubber mats will reduce noise transmission through the structure.

Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings Westminster City Council 75 12 Site Practices Objective Sustainability context

Sustainability solutions

Case studies

Signposts

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Section 12 Site Practices

Objective Sustainability ● Dust and emissions to air context Many aspects of the To manage construction construction process generate projects in a manner that It is estimated that at any one atmospheric emissions and minimises their impacts on time, more than 600 building dust. See Section 5, Air. projects are underway in the environment and local ● Noise Westminster. Building activity and Processes such as the use of community. site practices can significantly pneumatic drills, pile driving or influence the quality of life of unloading aggregates, are those that live and work in particularly noise intensive, and Westminster. Key aspects include: can significantly impact upon ● Waste local communities. Effective management of See Section 11, Noise. construction activities can ● Ecology significantly reduce waste. Noise, light, vibration and See Section 9, Waste. pollution can all impact upon ● Nuisance conservation habitats. Construction activities often See Section 7, Land and cause disturbance and Landscape. inconvenience to local ● Health and safety residents, businesses and Construction accounts for a pedestrians. Examples include significant number of deaths obstruction of walkways and and serious injuries in the UK roads, mud on the road, and every year, with more worker lack of consideration for local fatalities than any other residents. industry. ● Pollution Construction activities are responsible for more recorded pollution incidents than any other industrial activity. Fuel and oils, construction materials, insulation, solvents and paints can cause pollution. See Section 5, Air and Section 6, Water and Drainage.

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Sustainability solutions

Risk assessments Use risk assessment procedures to identify substances or activities that have the potential to cause harm to the environment. Such procedures also estimate the likelihood of such an event occurring. Management of the risks should be undertaken as appropriate. Risk management procedures could include:

● Secure storage of hazardous substances

● Operating procedures for safe working with hazardous materials

● Control over noise and light sources on site

Westminster City Council Considerate Paddington Code of Case Studies Builders Scheme Construction Practice The Paddington Code of Westminster City Council runs a St James’s Street Construction Practice is a unique considerate builders scheme code developed to address adverse This project in the St James’s designed to promote high impacts of construction activity in Conservation area has safeguards standards on all buildings sites, the Paddington Special Policy Area. to protect the special architectural to encourage builders to take pride It is funded through developers and or historic interest of the buildings in their sites, and to ensure that uses the concept of an within the planning consent. The development happens without Environmental Inspectorate to contractors committed themselves making life unpleasant for those police and enforce it. The code has to the Westminster Considerate who live and work nearby. Criteria been highly effective in managing Builders Code of Good Practice under the code of good practice impacts, and the Environmental from the early stages of planning include that works are carried out Inspectorate has played a key role the works. Some examples of in ways that are considerate, quiet, in obtaining greater information and initiatives aimed at improving clean, tidy, safe, responsible and better co-ordination of all performance include: accountable. development activities in the area. ● Relocation of six residents’ Schemes are regularly monitored to parking bays (that would be ensure compliance with the code lost during construction) to and awards issued annually to suspended parking meters in contractors that demonstrate best nearby St James's Square. practice. ● Making arrangements with a nearby hotel, to co-ordinate deliveries to avoid congestion.

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● Cleaning of the site perimeter ● All pending deliveries to be Spoil removal and deliveries were each day, and maintenence of posted on the notice board difficult, as the area was very busy the gantry structure to a very from midday onwards in this ● All pending deliveries allocated high standard. cosmopolitan area. The site time slots and booked-in perimeter was kept clean and ● Creation of a very secure ● Any deliveries in breach of washed frequently, usually twice a hoarding and gantry with strict these procedures to be refused week. control of vehicles to and from and sent away site by a traffic marshal to help ensure safe passage for The contractor tried to ensure that Further information pedestrians. works did not impede the very Westminster City Council, heavy pedestrian flow on both Considerate Builders and elevations of the site. They erected Further information Roadworks Manager, and maintained a bright temporary Tel: 020 7641 3175 Westminster City Council, hoarding, which was a feature of www,westminster.gov.uk Considerate Builders and the site. Roadworks Manager Tel: 020 7641 3175 www,westminster.gov.uk

Henrietta Street A £20 million project to demolish and rebuild a very large site in one of the busiest areas of London. Demolition was carried out by manual methods, supplemented by light mechanical plant and hand Westminster Considerate Builders Scheme held breakers. The area Contact the Considerate Schemes Manager, 9th Floor, City Hall, surrounding the site was busy 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP more or less 24 hours a day. The Tel: 020 7641 3175, Fax: 020 7641 7838 main difficulties faced by the contractors were: Paddington Code of Construction Practice ● Access / egress to the site in this very congested location PSPA Environmental Inspectorate, contact B Turton, ● Deliveries received having to go Room 21a Council House, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5PT straight on to site Tel: 020 7641 1228

● Illegal parking by other road users on suspended parking Associations bays Association for Environmentally Conscious Builders, AECB, PO Box To try to eliminate any possible 32, Llandysul SA44 5EJ, www.aecb.net traffic congestion which could have occured due to the above Green Register of Building Professionals - a Register of Architects, problems, the following procedures Tradespeople, Engineers committed to sustainable building practices, were adopted and put into place by Tel: 020 7820 3159, www.greenregister.org the site management: Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), ● All suppliers to give 24 hours Tel: 020 7222 8891, www.ciria.org notice of deliveries

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Appendix A Appendices Advice to Applicants Appendix B Related Supplementary Planning Guidance

Appendix C Glossary

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Appendix A Advice to Applicants

Environmental There are an increasing number of Ecohomes assesses residential Performance sustainability appraisal systems development in a similar way. available (e.g. Arup SPEAR™, It can be used for new and Statement - Housing Corporation Sustainability renovated homes including houses, checklist of Works™, WSP group SAT™)*. apartments and sheltered environmental The City Council welcomes accommodation. Performance submission of these provided the criteria include: effects assessment covers the range of ● Energy The Environmental Performance topics included in this SPG. ● Water Statement set out in the However, the most well recognised ● Pollution Environment Chapter of the Unitary system of independent ● Materials Development Plan (see policy ENV environmental appraisal is ● Transport 2 and Annex 9.1) incorporates the BREEAM (for commercial ● Ecology and land use relevant sustainable and resource- buildings) and Ecohomes (for ● Health and well being efficient building aspects of this residential) developed by the BRE. Undertaking a post-construction SPG. The Environmental BREEAM for commercial buildings review is an essential part of the Performance Statement is a written assesses individual buildings on BREEAM and Ecohomes process. statement providing information on the basis of credits for a set of This review demonstrates that the a range of environmental performance criteria. The number of measures set out in the certificate conditions and sustainability. credits achieved results in the have actually been implemented. It must be submitted with your building achieving a rating of planning application and will assist excellent, very good, good, or Similar appraisal systems have in assessing your application. pass. Performance criteria cover: also been developed for the NHS (NEAT) and Schools (SEAM). ● Management Independent ● Health and comfort evaluation ● Energy Development scale ● Transport For medium scale developments ● Water Table 1 (opposite) provides the City Council encourages an ● Materials information to help determine the independent appraisal of a ● Land use relevant category for development building’s sustainability. For large ● Site ecology scale. All developments are scale developments in the City this ● Pollution required to submit an independent appraisal will be Environmental Performance required. This assessment should Statement with their planning be attached to the Environmental *For further information on the identified sustainability appraisal systems contact application (see policy ENV 2, Performance Statement as outlined the following organisations: Annex 9.1). Medium size above (see policy ENV 2 and BREEAM, BRE, Tel: 01923 664452, developments are encouraged to www.bre.co.uk Annex 9.1 of UDP Chapter 9, undertake an independent appraisal Arup SPEAR, Arup Environmental, Environment). In a few cases this Tel: 020 7636 1531, of the sustainability performance of independent assessment may www.arup.com/environmental their proposal. In the case of large form part of the Environmental Housing Corporation Sustainability Works, developments this independent Housing Corporation, Tel: 020 7292 4400, Statements under the Town and www.housingcorp.gov.uk appraisal will be required. Planning (Environmental Impact WSP Group SAT, WSP Group, Assessment) Regulations 1999. Tel: 020 7314 5000, www.wspgroup.com

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Table 1 - Assessing development size

Size Residential Commercial / retail Public / other

Large New accommodation ● Regional shopping centres, ● Large acute hospitals for over 50 units multiplex cinemas and other large entertainment facilities (concert ● Major transport interchanges venues, exhibition centres, etc) ● Heliports or helipads ● Major office developments (above 2,000 m2 floorspace) ● A crossing over/ under the Thames ● Major hotel developments (over 100 beds)

Medium New accommodation ● Hotels (10 to 100 beds) ● Large educational for 10 to 50 units establishments ● District shopping centres, or department stores ● Intermediary healthcare centres ● Leisure centres ● Libraries and public offices ● Entertainment uses (Class A3/D2) over 500 m2. ● Minor transport interchanges

● Office developments (200 to 2,000 m2 floorspace)

Small New accommodation ● Hotels (up to 10 beds) ● GPs and clinics for less than 10 units ● Entertainment uses (Class A3/D2) ● Small schools under 500 m2 ● Small post offices, community ● Offices/Retail (less than 200 m2.) centres, etc.

Table 2 - Appropriate assessment levels for different development types

Size Environmental Independent Notes: Performance Sustainability Environmental Statement Appraisal Performance Statement - written statement providing information on environmental conditions that accompanies a Large Required Required planning application - policy ENV 2, Annex 9.1, Chapter 9, Environment, UDP.

Medium Required Encouraged Independent Sustainability Appraisal - e.g. BREEAM, Ecohomes or equivalent - independent review of the extent to which the Small Required - proposals meet the sustainability objectives set out in this SPG.

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Sustainable Buildings Checklist The following checklist is intended to summarise the information provided in this SPG and to help guide you through each of the main themes and topic areas. It is intended to be used primarily as a tool during design and implementation to assist with highlighting the key elements of sustainable design.

Topic Objective

Design To address sustainable building principles from the earliest concept stage through to detailed design and construction as a fundamental design consideration.

● Do designs make effective use of solar energy, while preventing unwanted heat gains and glare?

● Do designs make use of natural ventilation methods?

● Is plant equipment located at a low level? And if not have green roof methods been assessed?

● Has the potential future use of the building been considered?

● Has the option of reuse of an existing building or its materials been assessed?

Energy To improve the energy efficiency of Westminster's buildings and source an increasing proportion of energy supply from renewable of other lower impact sources.

● Do levels of insulation meet Building Regulations (as a minimum) and approach current best practices?

● Have natural ventilation methods been incorporated? If not have low energy mechanical systems been chosen?

● Have highly efficient and flexible heating (and ventilation) systems been specified based on an understanding of the range of heat load and use patterns expected for the building?

● Is heating and ventilation controllable simply and locally?

● Have efforts been lad to minimise the building heat gains through:

- Use of energy efficient appliances and their appropriate location?

- Use of low energy lighting with local controls?

- Use of shading to prevent unwanted solar gain?

● Will submetering be used to enable effective energy management by occupiers?

● Have opportunities for the use of renewable energies (e.g. solar heating, photovoltaics and wind power) or combined heat and power systems been assessed?

Air To reduce the contribution of the built environment to atmospheric pollution and achieve a healthy indoor environment.

● Have potential air quality risks (e.g. asbestos) associated with demolition / refurbishment been considered?

● Will steps be taken to minimise dust pollution during construction and demolition?

● Have natural materials been specified?

● Are air exchange rates sufficient, do air intakes seek to avoid major sources of external pollution?

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Topic Objective

Water and To make efficient use of all water resources and to minimise the risk of flooding and land Drainage contamination.

● Have water saving devices been incorporated?

● Have opportunities for making use of rainwater or recycling water been assessed?

● Has the management of runoff been addressed with the aim of reducing runoff volume and speed? For example, do designs take apply SUDS approaches?

● Has the potential for sourcing water from boreholes been assessed?

● Will sub-metering be installed to enable effective water management by occupiers?

Land, To optimise the use of shared external spaces with full consideration for biodiversity, resource use, Landscape and character. and Wildlife ● Has the proposed site been assessed in terms of its biodiversity value, in particular the presence of protected species, Westminster Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species or habitats?

● Have opportunities been taken to provide suitable habitats for BAP species?

● Do designs incorporate vertical habitats or green roofs?

● Are linkages made to existing green corridors or wildlife areas?

● Do landscaping designs adopt low water and low maintenance methods?

● Has landscaping been designed using low environmental impact materials?

Transport To support public transport accessibility, walking and cycling and other sustainable methods of transport.

● Has provision of facilities for bicycles been considered?

● Has a Green Travel Plan been considered for the development?

Waste To minimise and manage waste during construction and demolition, in order to ensure that developments have the capacity to manage waste effectively.

● Will steps be taken to minimise and reuse / recycle / segregate construction and demolition waste? For example, through the use of: - Prefabrication - Standardised components - Flexible design - Waste segregation and recycling storage - Composting - Specification of materials to include those with a recycled component - Planning of the construction process to minimise material being thrown away due to time or storage constraints

● Does the design incorporate space for waste segregation and storage facilities? (see policy ENV 10, Appendix 9.1 7a, 7b, 7c of Environmental Performance Statement)

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Topic Objective

Materials To utilise appropriate materials in Westminster's buildings bearing in mind their aesthetic qualities and whole life impacts.

● Have material specifications incorporated lifecycle impacts and expected whole life costs, bearing in mind the buildings likely refurbishment cycle? For example: - Timber certified as sustainable (e.g. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label) - Natural Insulation products - Natural Flooring materials - Timber frame Windows - Natural Paints

● Have material specifications been defined so that recycled materials can be used?

Materials To minimise noise from development activities ensuring noise impacts on adjoining properties are avoided or mitgated.

● Does the design incorporate noise insulation and design features?

● Has the location and specification of services and other noisy plant been designed to minimise noise generation and transference?

Materials To manage construction projects in a manner that minimises their impacts on the environment and the local community.

● Has a risk assessment been carried out to identify any aspects of the proposals that might require special consideration?

● Will construction processes abide by the requirements of the WCC Considerate Builders Scheme?

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Appendix B Related Supplementary Planning Guidance

● Conservation Areas - A Guide to Property Owners (1992)

● Mews - A Guide to Alterations (1992)

● The Protection of Historic Buildings in Westminster - A guide to structural alterations for owners, architects and developers (1992)

● Plant and Air Conditioning Equipment - Guidance notes on applications for planning permission (1993)

● Shopfronts, Blinds and Signs - A Guide to their Design (1993)

● A Guide to Care and Maintenance of Stucco (1994)

● Conservatories - A Guide to Design and Planning Procedures (1994)

● Public Art in Westminster (1994)

● Lighting Up the City - A good practice guide for the illumination of buildings and monuments (1994)

● Map of Designated Conservation Areas (1994)

● Roofs - A Guide to Alterations and Extensions on Domestic Buildings (1995)

● Façade Cleaning - The removal of soiling and paint from brick and stone facades (1995)

● A guide to providing Access for All (1995)

● A Guide to Archaeology and Planning Within Westminster (1995)

● Repairs and Alterations to Listed Buildings - Supplementary Planning Guidance (1996)

● Development and Demolition in Conservation Areas - Supplementary Planning Guidance (1996)

● The Listing of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (1996)

● Trees and other Planting on Development Sites (1996)

● Designing out Crime in Westminster (1998)

● Architectural Theft - Westminster's Architectural Heritage at Risk (2000)

● Design Matters in Westminster - Supplementary Planning Guidance on creating good City architecture (2001)

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Appendix C Glossary

BREEAM Passive Solar Design Building Research Establishment Environmental Passive solar design refers to the use of solar energy Assessment Method - independent appraisal method for the heating and cooling of buildings. Using this to certify environmental performance of a building approach, the building itself or some part of it will take advantage of the natural energy in materials and Building footprint air created by exposure to the sun. A measure of the ground area taken up by the building Photovoltaic Cell (PV) Convert solar energy into electricity. Interconnected Carbon Index cells are encapsulated into a sealed module that A method of calculating carbon dioxide emissions produces a voltage. associated with the space and water heating requirements of a building. These requirements are Renewable Energy calculated directly from the SAP of a building. The Renewable energy is that generated from sources scale of Carbon Index ranges from 0 - 10 and Par L that do not require the use of exhaustible materials Building Regulations is met if a dwelling has a CI of (such as fossil fuels). at least 8.0. SAP Fuel Poverty A SAP Rating is a number between 1 and 120 that Fuel poverty describes a situation where energy reflects the notional cost/m² of providing energy for costs comprise more than 10% of an individual's heating and domestic hot water in a dwelling - the income lower the energy cost the higher the rating. SAP ratings form part of the calculation for the Carbon Ecohomes Index under the Building Regulations. BRE assessment method similar to BREEAM for residential developments. U-Value The U-value (or heat loss factor) is the measurement Embodied energy used to express the thermal performance of a The total life cycle energy used in the collection, material. The lower the U-value, the less heat is manufacture, transportation, assembly, recycling and transmitted through the material. The U-value is a disposal of a given material or product. measure of the rate of heat loss (measured in Watts) per unit of surface area (measured in square metres) Lifecycle or Whole Life Impacts for a temperature differential of 1 degree Kelvin (K) Assesses the impacts of a product or operation on on either side of the material, hence W/m2K. the environment throughout its life e.g. from production and manufacture, operational and Vertical habitat maintenance, through to final disposal/demolition A vertical habitat is one situated on a buildings walls or roof, these are generally small scale habitats Low emissivity glazing (nesting places for birds or roosting for bats) but can Low emissivity glazing is double glazing where the help to support wildlife populations in areas where outer pane is coated with a transparent layer that larger habitat areas are scarce. reflects back radiated heat. This greatly increases the insulation levels of the window.

Microclimate A microclimate is where a certain area is able to maintain distinct environmental conditions by virtue of its design in relation to its surroundings. Microclimates can be created using shading or ventilation.

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