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Sustainability and planning

At Planning Portal, we are deeply committed to our role in mitigating environmental harm and advancing sustainable practices within the built environment sector. We understand the importance of simplifying sustainability legislation to encourage uptake, whether it's for homeowners embarking on individual projects or larger-scale schemes carried out by industry experts. 

No matter the size or scope of your project, incorporating sustainable elements is more accessible than you might think. In this section, you'll find valuable insights into national sustainability legislation relevant to our industry. Homeowners will also find tailored advice for their specific projects, along with information on government-sponsored financial support aimed at bolstering sustainability efforts. 

Click below to explore the array of financial support available from the government, designed to empower you in making sustainable choices for your home or project.

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    Sustainability funding

    Click below to find out exactly what financial support is available from the government to help fund sustainability projects or to help you make sustainable changes to your home.

    Sustainability funding

        Guidance for homeowners

        The following sustainability guidance is aimed at homeowners or those working on small projects. Need in-depth advice? Speak to one of our in-house experts:

        Speak to an expert
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          Sustainability project advice

          Basements1

          Boilers and heating2

          Ceilings and floors3

          Conservatories4

          Demolition5

          Drains and sewers6

          Kitchens and bathrooms7

          1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/basements/sustainability
          2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/boilers-and-heating/sustainability
          3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/ceilings-and-floors/sustainability
          4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/conservatories/sustainability
          5. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/demolition/sustainability
          6. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/drains-and-sewers/sustainability
          7. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/kitchens-and-bathrooms/sustainability
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            Sustainability project advice

            Loft conversion1

            Outbuildings2

            Patios and driveway3

            Porches4

            Self-build homes5

            Warehouses and industrial buildings6

            1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/loft-conversion/sustainability
            2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/outbuildings/sustainability
            3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/patio-and-driveway/sustainability
            4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/porches/sustainability
            5. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/self-build-homes/sustainability
            6. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/warehouses-and-industrial-buildings/sustainability
              Grants and funding for sustainability projects
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              Home energy generation

              Find out more about renewable energy technologies suitable for the home environment

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                  Energy saving

                  Information on how to make more efficient use of energy and reduce energy wastage in your home


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                      Guidance for professionals

                      The following sustainability guidance is aimed at professionals and those working on larger projects.

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                        Biodiversity Net Gain

                        Biodiversity net gain rules mandate that from Feb 12 2024, developers must ensure a 10% biodiversity increase for most proposed development.

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                            Nutrient Neutrality

                            Nutrient Neutrality states that developments must demonstrate surface water runoff and wastewater won't exceed existing nutrient levels, reducing wildlife pollution. Find out more.

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                                Future Homes Standard

                                The Future Homes Standard aims to make sure that all new homes are built with a focus on energy efficiency and low-carbon heating, preparing them for the future.

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                                    Retrofit

                                    Find out what retrofitting is and why it is a sustainable building option.

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                                        Embodied carbon

                                        Read our extensive, user-friendly guidance on embodied carbon.

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                                            Energy Performance Certificates

                                            Find out what an Energy Performance Certificate is and when they are required.

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                                                The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.

                                                The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.