The existence of a substantial and compact residential and business community within easy walking distance of an urban or neighbourhood centre is the principal platform for sustainable development

Higher density developments will also have limitations on how orientation will help benefit sustainability when using PV. In these instances, other emerging technologies such as ground and air source heat pumps could be alternatives to explore.

Form Factor in terms of maximising energy efficiency is the proportion of floor area to external wall area and can have a significant impact on energy efficiency. Urban building forms such as terraces and apartments minimise heat loss with a low form factor.

Orientation is key to ensuring good levels of natural lighting to habitable rooms whilst minimising the risk of overheating. The benefits of careful orientation includes health/wellbeing as well as energy efficiency. When designing layouts and buildings, careful massing and the use of heights and roofscape can maximise the sunlight to each unit. South facing single aspect homes that lead to overheating and north-facing single aspect fats needs to be avoided.