Building policies set to halve emissions from new developments
London is outpacing national targets for reducing carbon emissions in new buildings, thanks to ambitious building planning policies introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, new data from City Hall has revealed.
The Mayor’s London Plan, designed to combat both the climate crisis and housing shortage, is making significant strides in reducing the capital’s carbon footprint. The plan’s stringent net-zero carbon target requires new developments to exceed national building standards, resulting in 57% higher carbon savings than required by UK regulations. This is up from 50% in 2022, marking a year-on-year improvement of 7%.
The policies not only help cut emissions but also drive investment in green technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps. In 2023, proposed developments in London saved more than 32,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions—equivalent to 27,000 return flights between London and New York. Nearly a third of this reduction came from energy efficiency measures, such as loft insulation, which saved 8,552 tonnes of CO2, enough to insulate over 13,000 homes.
The report highlights that 84% of proposed new developments in the capital will feature heat pumps for their heating systems. These systems are expected to supply communal heat networks across thousands of homes and buildings. Additionally, 92% of projects will incorporate solar panels, collectively covering an area equivalent to 14 football pitches and attracting £21 million in solar investment.
Since Mayor Khan took office in 2016, London’s overall emissions have fallen by 21%, outpacing the national reduction of 16%. Transport emissions have also dropped more quickly in the capital, with an 18% reduction compared to a 13% fall across the UK.
Commenting on the progress, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, said, “It’s fantastic to see London leading the way in emissions reduction. The Mayor’s policies are not only cutting energy bills but also making London a greener, healthier place for everyone.”
The latest data also underscores London’s ongoing commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, with £333 million already secured for green projects across the city.
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