The Essex Net Zero Policy Study (Reports 1 and 2) led by Introba provides the technical evidence to support the specific policy requirements identified to ensure that new development in Greater Essex delivers healthy, efficient, climate resilient homes and buildings which are also net zero energy and carbon in operation from the outset and align with climate targets.

The recommended policy approach requires all new buildings to be ultra low energy buildings that are fossil fuel free and generate renewable energy on-site to at least match annual energy use.  Specific energy targets are set for space heating and total energy use, which ensure high building fabric standards are achieved and energy demand is minimised (which also reduces energy bills).  The recommended policy approach is set out in detail in Report 1.

The capital cost uplift of the recommended policy approach over and above the requirements of current Building Regulations (2021) is also examined in Report 1. These costs can be used to inform each Greater Essex Local Authority’s local plan viability study.  The costs are similar or lower to the costs assessed in the high level Net Zero Viability Study for Essex by Three Dragons et al. which is positive for viability.

Report 2 supports Local Authorities and applicants with the implementation of the recommended policy approach through the development management process by setting out the information that needs to be submitted with planning applications.  The report also includes design guidance and evidence checklists.  

The study underpins the Operational Energy and Carbon (Net Zero) Planning Policy Statement (October 2025) - available here.

Following scrutiny through local plan consultation and examination, some elements of the Study have been reviewed and updated, for example the cost analysis.  The original July 2023 Study Reports (available on the archive list below) have been updated in September 2025. 

 The Essex Energy Offsetting Tariff Report has also been updated (September 2025) and sets out further detail to the methodology of how the tariff recommended to be used in Report 1 of the Study, has been calculated. The tariff will be reviewed at regular intervals, and at least every three years. The Energy Offsetting Tariff Report is available here.

The updated study reports are available below:

Report 1: Essex Net Zero Policy – Technical Evidence Base (Introba, Etude and Currie & Brown, July 2023, updated September 2025)

Report 2: Essex Net Zero Policy – Summary of Policy, Evidence and Validation Requirements (Introba, Etude and Currie & Brown, July 2023, updated September 2025)

Update Report - Essex Energy Offsetting Tariff (Introba, Currie & Brown September 2025)

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

Report 1: Essex Net Zero Policy – Technical Evidence Base (Introba, Etude and Currie & Brown, July 2023)

Report 2: Essex Net Zero Policy – Summary of Policy, Evidence and Validation Requirements (Introba, Etude and Currie & Brown, July 2023)

Update Report - Essex Energy Offsetting Tariff (Introba, Currie & Brown July 2025)