The Operational Energy and Carbon (Net Zero) Planning Policy Statement (October 2025) for Greater Essex sets out Policy GE1: Operational Energy and Carbon (Net Zero) in homes and buildings and is available to download here.

It should be read and implemented alongside the Embodied Carbon and Circular Economy Planning Policy Statement (October 2025) for Greater Essex which sets out Policy GE2: Embodied Carbon and Circular Economy in homes and buildings and is available here.   

The Whole Life Carbon impact of a development is made up of carbon emissions from the energy used in the operation of a home or building, and carbon emissions that are embodied in the materials, processes, and construction of a home or building. 

It is important that both sources of emissions are minimised in new homes and buildings to help Essex and the UK, as a whole, mitigate and adapt to climate change and meet climate targets.  There are wider benefits too, for example relating to health and well-being, the energy system, local economy and environment.

The planning policy statements address both types of emissions and aim to deliver healthy, efficient, climate resilient homes and buildings in Greater Essex. 

The Planning Policy Statements are the result of collaborative working between all the Greater Essex Local Planning Authorities on a comprehensive, robust, technical and legal evidence base and shared experience and scrutiny through local plan consultations and examinations.  The work stream has been led by the Climate and Planning Unit, at Essex County Council, under the steer and guidance of the Essex Planning Officers Association.

GE1: Operational Energy and Carbon (Net Zero)

The Planning Policy Statement  sets out the recommended planning policy for Local Planning Authorities in Greater Essex to embed in their Local Plans (and other associated planning documents) to ensure that all new homes and buildings achieve a consistent, clearly defined, energy efficiency and generation standard (also known as net zero carbon (in operation)) that aligns with local and national climate targets and delivers high quality, healthy, efficient, climate resilient homes and buildings.

The policy is based on robust, sound evidence which is available here.

Policy GE1 replaces the previous iteration of the equivalent policy (Policy NZ1) included in the included in the November 2023 ‘Planning Policy Position for Net Zero Carbon Homes and Buildings in Greater Essex’ (listed under archived documents below). 

Document Downloads

Policy GE1 - Operational Energy and Carbon (Net Zero) Planning Policy Statement for Greater Essex – October 2025

 

Archived Documents (have been superseded but the direct links retained to allow partners time to update links embedded in other documents)

Net Zero Carbon Planning Policy for Greater Essex - November 2023