LUC is playing an increasingly important role in helping to ensure that development plans contribute to the drive to net zero.

Recent projects have developed the evidence base for local plans, covering topics including renewable energy potential, the energy performance of new buildings, opportunities to create 20-minute neighbourhoods and support sustainable travel.

We are integrating carbon more explicitly into the assessment of plans, including the evaluation of different spatial options. We have advised on ways of integrating climate issues throughout plans and created tools to help ensure that decisions about planning applications reflect the priority to reduce carbon emissions. We have prepared planning guidance on climate change to inform the design of new development.

We are advising several authorities on opportunities to increase carbon sequestration across the public estate. Our project experience reflects our growing role in providing training on climate issues to planning professionals and in our advisory role for the recently updated RTPI/TCPA guidance on the topic.

Learn more about Development Planning at LUC.