Sustainability Statements

Sustainability Statements are often used in support of Design and Access Statements or as part of Environmental Impacts Assessments to demonstrate the sustainability performance of a development performance.

The need for a Sustainability Statement, and its relationship to the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), Code for Sustainable Homes or other standards and assessments, should be discussed with the planning authority during pre-application consultations to avoid duplication.

Requirements for a Sustainability Statement vary from place to place, but will often be required to address themes along the following lines:

• Energy conservation
• Low carbon and renewable energy sources
• Flexible building design
• Construction materials
• Waste
• Water conservation
• Biodiversity and landscape
• Transport and air quality
• Sustainability Standards

By analysing the technical specifications, design measures, use of materials and resources, and travel plan, a picture of the long-term sustainability of the development can be established.