NPPF consultation 2024 – what's new?
5 things you need to know about the government’s proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework
Sustainability consultancy for local authorities
From zero-carbon local plan evidence bases and energy policies to planning application reviews and zero-carbon roadmaps, discover how our experienced team can help your local authority
We offer a range of sustainability consultancy services for local government authorities.
Robust and targeted Local Plan policies are a necessary component of achieving net-zero emissions. We understand how to create the evidence base, and how to implement the policies in practice.
All local planning authorities have a legal duty to address the climate and ecological crisis and to contribute towards the UK’s legally binding net-zero target for 2050. In practice, this means taking bold steps to achieve zero emissions from new buildings and adopting policies that drive drastic and rapid emissions reductions from transport, energy and land-use.
As Local Plans set out the vision for future development in a borough, they are key to ensuring that any land-use changes, or new development that happens – from homes and offices to transport infrastructure – results in the least amount of greenhouse gas emissions possible, whilst enabling economic growth and addressing housing need.
Here's how we can help your local authority:
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Zero-carbon evidence base for local plans
We provide a comprehensive evidence base of precedents from across England on how other local authorities are implementing policies relating to zero-carbon developments.
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Spatial carbon modelling
We assess the potential implications of spatial strategies for development, including spatial carbon modelling for proposed new allocations.
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Carbon and energy policies
We review the plausibility of net-zero carbon policies and energy statements, analysing the technical feasibility and cost feasibility of reaching net-zero targets.
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Development management
We offer planning support focused on energy and sustainability.
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Area-wide zero-carbon roadmaps
Strategic support on the review and development of plans to address the climate and ecological emergency.
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Sustainability and zero-carbon design guides
We create design guides that inform and guide a project team and council officers through the development of net-zero council buildings.
Get in touch with Lewis Knight, our Head of Sustainable Places, to discuss your needs and find out more about what we can offer.
Get in touch
Lewis Knight
Director of Sustainable Places
Fill in the form to send your enquiry direct to Lewis
How we're supporting local authorities with spatial planning and carbon modelling
Bioregional, alongside Etude, Currie & Brown and Mode Transport, created a modelling tool to allow Central Lincolnshire and Greater Cambridgeshire to identify the lowest-carbon route for new developments
How we helped Cambridge City Council create a retrofit guide for residents
Our sustainable places team, alongside 3G Construction and Transition by Design, produced a practical guide for homeowners and landlords in Cambridge on how to make their homes more energy-efficient and lower carbon
Creating net-zero carbon evidence bases for both Greater Cambridge and Central Lincolnshire
Bioregional worked in partnership with Etude, alongside specialist subcontractors Currie & Brown and Mode, to provide a robust and detailed evidence base for adopting zero-carbon policies for both Greater Cambridge and Central Lincolnshire.
Supporting Warwick District Council’s zero-carbon development plan
Bioregional has been supporting Warwick District Council for the past year on the development of a zero-carbon development plan that will sit alongside its local plan, with the aim of increasing the standard of new developments across the district.
Creating Oxfordshire County Council’s Environmental Design Guide
Bioregional produced an Environmental Design Guide and accompanying typology-specific building handouts to guide the Council’s estate management, including new build developments and retrofit, toward whole life net-zero carbon. The guide was developed to be an industry-leading, comprehensive, and accessible resource to guide Council decision making.
One Planet Living sustainability framework - a guide for local authorities
A guide for local authorities on how to use our One Planet Living sustainability framework to tackle the climate and ecological emergency
Download PDFImage credits: banner: Nik Ramzi Nik Hassan, Cambridge: Devin Kleu, Warwick: Christian Mackie, Oxfordshire: Tetiana Shyshkina, all via Unsplash
Analysis: setting ambitious net-zero targets need not hinder housebuilding
Three ambitious local authorities show that setting robust standards need not prove a barrier to achieving housebuilding targets
Bioregional launches Innovate UK-funded project to help councils model the carbon impact of new homes
Grant funding will enhance Bioregional’s spatial planning tool, enabling local planning authorities to plan for growth in the most sustainable way