Sustainability Statements
Comprehensive Sustainability Statements for planning applications, combining energy, carbon, water, transport, landscape and environmental considerations into one clear development strategy.
Sustainability Strategies for Planning Applications
A Sustainability Statement explains how a proposed development responds to environmental, social and resource-efficiency considerations. It brings together the key measures that will reduce the scheme's impact and improve its long-term performance.
One Stop Consult coordinates experienced sustainability and building-performance consultants to review the proposal, identify the relevant local planning requirements and prepare a clear, project-specific report.
Depending on the development, the statement may consider energy demand, carbon emissions, renewable technology, water use, transport, waste, ecology, landscape, materials and climate resilience.
When May a Sustainability Statement Be Required?
Requirements vary by Planning Authority, development scale, location and local policy.
Green Belt Development
Applications where exceptional design, reduced environmental impact or strong sustainability credentials form part of the planning case.
Major Residential Schemes
Housing and apartment developments requiring a coordinated explanation of energy, water, transport and environmental measures.
Commercial Development
Offices, retail, industrial, leisure and mixed-use projects that must demonstrate sustainable design principles.
Local Policy Requirements
Applications within authorities that request specific carbon, water, renewable-energy, ecology or transport commitments.
Planning Conditions
Projects where an approved sustainability strategy must be submitted, updated or discharged before works progress.
High-Performance Developments
Projects seeking to clearly document enhanced environmental performance beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
A Coordinated Sustainability Approach
A strong Sustainability Statement should reflect the actual design rather than rely on generic commitments. The report can draw together information from the architect, energy assessor, drainage engineer, ecologist and wider project team.
This helps ensure that the planning submission presents one consistent strategy and that proposed measures can realistically be delivered.
What the Sustainability Statement May Include
The content is tailored to the proposed development and the relevant Planning Authority requirements.
Planning-Policy Review
Summary of the national and local sustainability policies relevant to the site and proposed development.
Energy and Carbon
Review of energy demand, design-stage SAP or SBEM results, low-carbon systems and renewable-energy options.
Water Efficiency
Consideration of calculated water use, efficient fittings, rainwater management and water-saving measures.
Transport and Accessibility
Review of public transport, walking, cycling, vehicle charging and opportunities to reduce reliance on private cars.
Ecology and Landscape
Consideration of existing habitats, biodiversity enhancement, planting, green infrastructure and surrounding landscape.
Materials and Waste
Discussion of responsible material selection, durability, construction waste and efficient resource use.
Information That May Support the Statement
Depending on the project, the Sustainability Statement may refer to several technical reports and calculations.
SAP Calculations
Residential energy and carbon calculations supporting the proposed dwelling specification.
SBEM Calculations
Energy-performance modelling for commercial and other non-domestic buildings.
Water Calculations
Assessment of anticipated internal water consumption and proposed efficiency measures.
Ecology and BNG
Ecological surveys, mitigation and Biodiversity Net Gain information where relevant to the site.
Drainage and Flood Risk
Sustainable drainage, surface-water management and flood-risk measures where required.
Transport Information
Local transport connections, traffic information, cycle storage, pedestrian access and EV-charging proposals.
Measures That May Be Recommended
Recommendations depend on the development type, site constraints, planning requirements and technical feasibility.
Fabric-First Design
Improved insulation, glazing, airtightness and thermal bridging to reduce heating and cooling demand.
Low-Carbon Heating
Efficient heating and hot-water systems, including heat pumps where appropriate.
Renewable Energy
Solar PV and other suitable low or zero-carbon technologies that can reduce operational emissions.
Efficient Water Fittings
Low-flow taps, showers and sanitary fittings designed to reduce calculated water consumption.
Biodiversity Enhancement
Native planting, habitat features, green roofs or other measures that improve the site's ecological value.
Sustainable Travel
Cycle storage, electric-vehicle charging, pedestrian connections and access to public transport.
How the Sustainability Statement Process Works
The process starts with a review of the proposed development, planning requirements and supporting design information.
Policy Review
Confirm the relevant local requirements and the expected scope of the statement.
Information Gathering
Obtain drawings, specifications, calculations and other supporting reports from the project team.
Technical Review
Assess the proposal against energy, water, transport, ecology and resource-efficiency objectives.
Strategy Development
Identify suitable measures, commitments and design recommendations for the scheme.
Final Statement
Issue a coordinated report that can accompany the planning application or condition submission.
Information Required for a Quotation
Provide the full site address, a description of the proposed development and the latest architectural drawings.
Please also send the relevant planning-policy wording, validation requirement, pre-application advice or planning condition, together with any available energy, ecology, drainage, transport or water information.
Sustainability Statements for a Range of Developments
The report is adapted to the scale, use, location and planning requirements of each project.
Nationwide Sustainability Statement Service
One Stop Consult coordinates Sustainability Statements for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments throughout mainland UK. Each report is tailored to the relevant Planning Authority, development type and available supporting information.
Other Services Your Project May Require
Sustainability Statements are often coordinated alongside energy, environmental and planning assessments.
Important Sustainability Statement Information
Sustainability Statement requirements vary between Planning Authorities and individual applications. The assessment scope, supporting evidence and recommended measures depend on the relevant policy, project stage and information available. One Stop Consult provides consultancy and coordination support through its specialist sustainability and building-performance consultant network.
Sustainability Statement FAQs
What is a Sustainability Statement?
It is a planning document explaining how a development responds to energy, carbon, water, transport, ecology, materials and other sustainability considerations.
Is a Sustainability Statement required for every project?
No. Requirements depend on the Planning Authority, development type, location, scale and relevant local policy.
Are Sustainability Statements required for Green Belt applications?
They may be requested or useful where the sustainability credentials of a Green Belt proposal form part of the planning case. The exact requirement should be confirmed against local policy and application advice.
Does the report include SAP or SBEM calculations?
It can incorporate or refer to design-stage SAP or SBEM calculations where energy and carbon performance form part of the assessment.
Can it include water-efficiency calculations?
Yes. Water calculations and proposed water-saving measures can be included where relevant to the planning requirement.
When should the statement be prepared?
It should normally be developed during the planning or early design stage so that the recommended measures can be properly incorporated into the proposal.
Do you provide Sustainability Statements nationwide?
Yes. We coordinate suitable consultants for eligible projects throughout mainland UK.
Request Your Free Sustainability Statement Quote
Complete the form below with the site address, proposed development and current project stage. Upload any available drawings, planning requirements and supporting technical information so our team can review the project and coordinate an appropriate quotation.