The Essex Net Zero Specification Guidance provides technical information to support the delivery of Essex Net Zero development with consistent planning policy approach towards reducing carbon emissions from new development in Essex.  

The Essex Net Zero Specifications guide contains outline packaged solutions that meet the ‘Planning Policy Position for Net Zero Carbon Homes and Buildings in Greater Essex’ requirements. The Policy Position published in November 2023 is available here.

Within the main document, a 2-page guide has been developed for each housing typology which covers fabric and system options in addition to MVHR best practice design guidance. The document also includes high level guidance on design considerations and thermal bridging. 

Within the supporting document the “Essex Net Zero Specifications Guide” brings background information on topics that are not covered in the “Essex Net Zero Specifications Guide”, such as high level advice on the requirements regardless of meeting Net Zero, aesthetics of Net Zero and achieving Net Zero at low cost. The document also identifies whether there are material and supply chain gaps in Essex. 

Outlining specifications that can be used to deliver net zero development will support in the reduction of carbon emissions, important for meeting local and national climate targets, including the Essex Climate Action Commission target for all new development to be carbon positive by 2030.   

Like most of our studies, The Essex Net Zero Specifications Guidance is published as ‘open source’ and the Essex authorities hope that it will form a valuable evidence resource for local authorities beyond Essex and for industry, stakeholders and national policy makers.   

The Essex Net Zero Specification Guidance is available below: 

‘Essex Net Zero Specifications Guide’ – Specification Guidance (Introba, Currie & Brown, Etude, Levitt Bernstein July 2024) 

‘Essex Net Zero Specifications Supporting Document’ – Supporting Information (Introba, Currie & Brown, Etude, Levitt Bernstein July 2024)