Delivering Renewable Energy Development in Camden and Tower Hamlets in London.
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Introduction
En-Plan have ben working with Ameresco who are partbnewring both Camden Council andf Tower Hamlets Council in delivering de-carbonidation projects within their property estate. The following artcicle willd detail both Councils approac h to teh challeneges faced and how Enn-plan has delievred the schemes y utilising our Plannig Consutancy and Architectural Services.
Camden Council Projects
Camden Council is actively pursuing a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This initiative encompasses a wide range of projects targeting council-owned buildings, housing, community spaces, and energy infrastructure.
Key Decarbonisation Initiatives
1. Carbon Management Plan
Central to Camden's efforts is its Carbon Management Plan, which outlines specific projects to reduce emissions from the council's estate and operations. Notable achievements include:
Talacre Community Sports Centre: In June 2023, a solar array was installed in collaboration with Power Up North London, enhancing renewable energy generation and saving an estimated 12 tonnes of CO₂e annually
Acland Burghley School and Eleanor Palmer Primary School: Upgrades such as heat pumps, LED lighting, draught proofing, and energy management systems were completed in January 2024, collectively reducing emissions by approximately 45 tonnes of CO₂e per year.Camden Council
As a result of these and other initiatives, Camden's carbon emissions have decreased by 65% compared to 2009/10 levels, reaching 11,873 tonnes of CO₂e in 2023/24.
2. Decarbonising Public Libraries
Camden has undertaken decarbonisation projects in several public libraries:Camden News West Hampstead Library: Reopened recently as the third library to undergo decarbonisation since 2021, following similar projects at Swiss Cottage and Highgate libraries. West Hampstead Library is a historic public library located in the West Hampstead area of North London. It serves as an important community hub, offering a range of books, digital resources, study spaces, and events for local residents.
Opened in 1901, it was funded by Andrew Carnegie, the famous philanthropist who supported the creation of public libraries worldwide. Over the years, it has remained a popular local institution, adapting to the digital age while maintaining its historical charm.
he library is an essential part of the Camden Council library network, providing access to local history archives and digital resources.
The decarbonisation measures which were air source heat pumps and new double glazing whihch were approved under planning application Number 2024/2874/P
Decarninisation of the Waterklow Park Centre
Application Number 2024/2350/PSite AddressWaterlow Park Centre Dartmouth Park Hill London N19 5JF was an application for two new air source heat pumps at Waterlow Park Centre.
Waterlow Park is a 26-acre park in the south east of Highgate Village, in north London. It
was given to the public by Sir Sydney Waterlow, as "a garden for the gardenless" in
1889. It lies within the Highgate Conservation Area, and provides a mature and varied
green landscape.
The Park is much enjoyed by people who live and work nearby, particularly families with
young children. It is visited by many people who also come to Lauderdale House, which
is within its grounds, and the neighbouring Highgate East and West Cemeteries.
Lauderdale House is an Grade II* listed building which dates back to 1582; it runs
primarily as an arts and education centre welcoming over 65,000 visitors annually.
Waterlow Park Centre, located west of Dartmouth Park Lodge gate, is occupied by the
arts organisation Lux. Nearby is St Joseph’s Roman Catholic church.
Waterlow Park is located within the Highgate Conservation area. The conservation area
appraisal refers to the park as follows:
The park is landscaped on the steep hillside with three ponds at different levels. The
planned regularity of the tamed and relatively open landscape is in stark contrast with the
Arcadian nature of the cemeteries. Notwithstanding, it is home to a large number
of animal species, including foxes and bats. The parkland exploits the slope of the
hillside, with level terraces for sport and more leisurely activities, including public tennis
courts and a putting green inserted amongst the magnificent mature trees and
vegetation. The south elevations of houses in Bisham Gardens, with their array of
insensitive roof alterations, form a dramatic cliff edge against the northern skyline.
Some features survive from the former gardens of Lauderdale House, including the
enclosing wall to the former parterre and the upper terrace (listed grade II). The old
brickwork did suffer from neglect and ill-conceived repairs in which brick types and
pointing mixes have been selected and applied without regard to the quality texture and
character of the original. However, the hard and soft landscaping around the house have
recently been sensitively restored and reinstated by the Council’s Parks and Open
Spaces section.
Ultimately, the specified programme of works specified in the design and access statement will benefit the de-carbonisation of the centre and with the design strategy that mitigates any negative impact the proposal will have a neutral impact on the character and setting of the Conservation Area.
With the above points in the mind Planning Consent will allow for the sympathetic and
sustainable siting of two air source heat pump units on site without any negative impact
upon the heritage asset that is Waterlow Day Centre.
3. Retrofitting Council Homes
To combat fuel poverty and reduce emissions, Camden is retrofitting its housing stock:Camden Council+2Camden Council+2Camden Council+2
Scope: Nearly all of the 33,000 council properties are slated for energy efficiency improvements, starting with the least efficient homes.Camden Council
Measures: Upgrades include enhanced insulation, efficient heating systems, and improved windows and doors, aiming to make homes warmer and more sustainable. Camden Council
4. Decentralised Energy Networks
Camden is investing in local energy networks to supply low-carbon heat and power:Camden Council+2Camden Council+2Camden Council+2
Somers Town: A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit supplies over 600 homes, a school, and community facilities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 300 tonnes of CO₂e annually.
Gospel Oak: Utilises waste heat from the Royal Free Hospital's CHP to provide about 50% of the heating needs for 1,449 homes across six estates, saving around 2,800 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
5. Camden Climate Fund
To support broader community involvement, the Camden Climate Fund offers grants to residents, businesses, and community groups for projects that reduce emissions. Between 2021 and 2024, over £200,000 was allocated to support various initiatives.
Tower Hamlets Projects
Tower Hamlets Council has implemented a comprehensive decarbonisation programme aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions for council operations by 2025 and for the entire borough by 2045. This initiative encompasses various strategies and projects to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.Tower Hamlets Labour+2Tower Hamlets+2thcvs.org.uk+2
Key Initiatives and Programmes
1. Net Zero Carbon Action Plan
Following the declaration of a climate emergency in March 2019, Tower Hamlets Council developed the Net Zero Carbon Action Plan. This plan outlines the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and includes measures such as:squaregain.co+3Tower Hamlets+3CAPE+3
Implementing sustainable practices in council buildings, including the installation of air source heat pumps in four buildings.Tower Hamlets
Adopting Local Plan policies that require new developments to achieve net zero carbon status.CAPE+2Tower Hamlets+2thcvs.org.uk+2
Launching the Sustainable Workplace programme to encourage eco-friendly behaviours among council employees.Tower Hamlets
Installing solar panels on ten council buildings.Tower Hamlets
Setting up a Net Zero Building Action Group to coordinate decarbonisation efforts across council departments. Tower Hamlets
2. Carbon Reduction Community Grants Programme
This programme provides financial support to community groups, charities, and Community Interest Companies in Tower Hamlets for projects that reduce carbon emissions. Funding is available for:Tower Hamlets+1Community Energy London+1
Replacing gas boilers with electric heating systems or installing renewable energy technologies, with grants up to £20,000.Tower Hamlets
Energy retrofit projects, such as lighting upgrades and equipment replacements, with grants up to £10,000.Community Energy London+3Tower Hamlets+3Tower Hamlets Council+3
Educational and behavioural change projects aimed at promoting energy and carbon reduction, with grants up to £5,000. Tower Hamlets
In the first round, approximately £200,000 was awarded to 11 organisations. The second round, launched in July 2023, allocated £460,000 to 16 organisations for various carbon reduction initiatives. LinkedIn+1Community Energy London+1Community Energy London
4. SME Energy Improvement Grants
The council has supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through grants aimed at improving energy efficiency. The programme offered:Carbon Copy
Up to £5,000 for energy efficiency improvements, such as double glazing and equipment upgrades.Carbon Copy
Up to £10,000 for installing solar panels or electrifying heating systems. Carbon Copy
5. Carbon Offsetting Policy
Tower Hamlets has established a carbon offset price of £95 per tonne for residual emissions. Developers are required to contribute to offsetting any remaining emissions after implementing energy efficiency measures, with the funds used to support local carbon reduction projects. Tower Hamlets
Community Engagement and Education
The council has also focused on engaging residents and promoting sustainable practices through initiatives like the Tower Hamlets Textile Reuse and Recycling Map. This project aims to reduce textile waste by mapping existing and emerging textile waste initiatives within the borough. Yodomo. For more information on Tower Hamlets Council's decarbonisation efforts and to access resources or apply for grants, visit their official Carbon Reduction page.Tower Hamlets+2
3. Heat Decarbonisation Projects
Tower Hamlets Council has undertaken projects to install air source heat pumps in council buildings, including children's centres. These installations have led to significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy bills, with estimated annual savings of around £3,000 per site. thcvs.org.uk+3Carbon Copy+3Tower Hamlets+3
Example Project St Georges Town Hall
St Georges Town Hall, 236 Cable Street, London, E1 0BL
Ref. No: PA/25/00121/NC | Validated: Tue 25 Feb 2025 | Status: Approved
The proposed development is for PV panels to the roof of St George’s Town Hall.
The panels would be on the rear roof slope and on the flat roof extensions and therefore
would not be readily visible when viewed from Cable Street. The panels would not
adversely impact on the streetscene, or views of listed building or conservation area.
There would be less than substantial harm caused to the fabric of the listed building,
however this is outweighed by the public benefit of the proposals. The Council susequently granted listed building consent.
Example Project: Jack Dash House: Application ation to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed: Installation of Solar PV Jack Dash House, 2 Lawn House Close, London, E14 9YQ
En-Plan applied for Prior approval under GPDO, Schedule 2, Part 14, Class J for installation of Solar PV Array on the rooftop. Tower Hamlets agreed thta the proposal complied with the provisions of the general permitted development order and granted approval.
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