Council consults on new guidance to promote eco-friendly upgrades to buildings

As well as providing planning advice, the documents provide guidance on simple energy-saving measures that all residents can take to reduce energy use in their homes, helping to address the cost of living crisis.

The draft Climate Action Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out detailed planning advice to ensure all new minor and major developments in Islington meet the borough’s ambitious sustainable design policies as set out in the Local Plan.

It offers practical planning guidance on topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy installations, water usage and sustainable design standards to help reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Complementing the SPD is a new draft Retrofit Handbook, which provides step-by-step advice on energy-saving upgrades such as LED lighting and simple draughtproofing measures that everyone can install to more complex works from loft insulation to solar panel installations and solar shading.

The handbook is designed to support local people at every stage of their retrofit journey, offering solutions for homes, businesses, and other building types.

Together, these documents aim to empower local people and businesses to make meaningful contributions to Islington’s response to the climate emergency, and helping the borough reach its carbon emissions reduction targets.

Shaped by residents, for residents

The handbook has been developed following feedback from local people during early rounds of consultation on the SPD in 2023. It offers practical, accessible advice for retrofitting homes, addressing the unique challenges posed by Islington’s housing stock, including its historic and heritage properties.

Both documents align with the council’s broader mission to create a greener, healthier borough where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Islington residents, businesses, and stakeholders are invited to share their views on the proposed documents. The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 February, and full details can be found on the council’s Let’s Talk Islington website.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport, said: “Tackling climate change is one of Islington Council’s top priorities. Buildings are the largest source of carbon emissions in the borough, accounting for 84% of all emissions. Reducing emissions from heating, cooling and powering our homes will play a critical role in tackling climate change.

“We know that retrofitting can sometimes feel like a complex and daunting process, which is why we’ve created these new guidance documents to make it easier for local people to take action. By improving the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings, we can collectively reduce emissions, cut energy bills, and create a healthier environment for everyone.”