In collaboration with Etude, we have developed a comprehensive three-part guidance series for Greater Manchester Combined Authority that supports developers in meeting critical sustainability policies.

The guidance helps applicants comply with the Places for Everyone Joint Plan policies JP-S2 (Energy and carbon) and JP-S3 (Low carbon heat), as well as the requirements for Truly Affordable Net Zero (TANZ) homes—a standard for operational net zero housing at the point of delivery.

Our approach focuses on making net zero requirements accessible and achievable for all new developments within Greater Manchester.

The suite of documents:

• Streamlines planning submissions through clearly communicated requirements
• Builds expertise and confidence through user-friendly explanations of key concepts
• Provides practical, implementable strategies tailored to different development types
• Creates proportional guidance that responds to project scale and complexity

The series is structured as three complementary documents:

1. Design Guidance for Net Zero
An illustrated, accessible guide providing a comprehensive energy and carbon framework alongside design strategies. It offers approaches for reducing operational and embodied carbon and includes case studies demonstrating successful implementation.

2. Low Carbon Heat
This document presents heating options for achieving net zero, providing a decision-making framework alongside heat network mapping across Manchester. It clarifies when alternative approaches may be justified and what evidence is required.

3. Net Zero Submission Guidance
A practical guide that simplifies planning application requirements with scale-appropriate submissions. It provides detailed guidance on completing the Energy and Carbon Proforma, structuring Energy and Carbon Statements, and following appropriate calculation methodologies.

These resources are designed to evolve over time, with periodic updates planned to respond to the needs of both applicants and Local Authorities as Greater Manchester progresses toward its net zero ambitions.

Read the guidance here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning-and-housing/strategic-planning/places-for-everyone/net-zero-design-guidance/