In response to your 99% Campaign, I would like to draw your attention to an initiative we have undertaken at Uttlesford council.

We have brought in a planning requirement that means people extending their homes must carry out cost-effective energy efficiency measures on their existing house where possible and practical. This is akin to the “consequential improvement” requirements that were dropped from Part L1B of the new Part L of the Building Regulations.

By focusing on a set of measures that are proven to be cost-effective, and making best use of the respective capabilities of planning and building surveying, we have found one way of bringing about improvements in the existing stock with regulation that is not unduly burdensome to the householder or the local authority.

Jake Roos, energy efficiency surveyor, Uttlesford council, Essex

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