We are part of the consultant team (Etude, Hawkins\Brown, Currie and Brown, Heyne Tillett Steel and Publica) responsible for the evidence behind the GLA’s new Draft London Plan, contributing to the thinking behind it and welcoming the direction it takes.

The new plan marks a significant shift from its predecessor, offering a simpler more streamlined set of policies that promote a just transition to Net Zero. It replaces carbon calculations and a reliance on offsetting for operational energy with clear, measurable, industry backed energy targets. That's a meaningful shift, and long overdue.

Four policy areas are covered by our evidence base:

• Energy efficiency (GHR1): A move to industry-backed, operational energy-based metrics with a focus on on-site generation – targets that can be tracked after a building is complete.
• Low-cost, low-carbon heat (GHR2): Heating system selection based on both cost and carbon content, ensuring the transition to low-carbon heat is affordable.
• Whole life-cycle carbon (GHR3): Upfront embodied carbon targets are introduced for the first time, , and supported by whole life-cycle carbon emissions calculations.
• Heat risk (GHR4): A stronger, clearer set of overheating mitigation measures, prioritising passive design and a reduction in the urban heat island effect.

The targets were developed through detailed energy, carbon and cost modelling across a range of building typologies. A series of stakeholder engagement events, involving local authorities, industry consultants and property development organisations, provided feedback on the metrics and targets proposed.

Crucially, a number of those consulted have already adopted these requirements in practice, demonstrating they are both technically feasible and viable. The research also aligns with the work underpinning the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS).