Policy HBE4: Addressing the Performance Gap
Policy HBE4: Addressing the Performance Gap
- Proposals for Passivhaus or equivalent standard buildings achieving a space heating demand of less than 15KWh/m2/year will be supported where they use terraced and/or apartment building forms of plot size, plot coverage and layout that are different to those of the character area within which the proposal is located, and – demonstrate that those differences would not result in significant harm to the character of the area.
- The UK Parliament declared an environment and climate emergency in May 2019 and Broadland District Council recently declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in July 2023. Those who responded to the project’s consultations supported the encouragement of energy efficient homes to the Passivhaus standard.
- There is a growing evidence base to suggest that buildings do not perform as well as anticipated at design stage. Findings demonstrate that actual energy consumption in buildings will usually be twice as much as predicted. Passivhaus certified schemes, or those at an equivalent standard, cannot fail in this way, hence Clause A fully supports this standard. By acknowledging there may sometimes be a trade-off between its objectives and local design policy. Although meeting these standards ought not to compromise a scheme fitting in with the character of a local area, on occasions this may be the case. It therefore allows for some degree of flexibility in meeting the Horsford Design Guidance and Code, especially in terms of prevalent building orientation and density. Proposals seeking to apply the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) must also be able to demonstrate that the Passivhaus standard can be achieved. Prior to commencement a ‘preconstruction compliance check’ completed by a Passivhaus Designer accredited by the Passive House Institute (PHI) will be required and secured by condition. Upon completion a Quality Approved Passivhaus certificate for each building will be required prior to occupation, again secured by condition.