This report shows how the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), EcoHomes and the Code for Sustainable Homes are being used by local authorities to deliver their sustainable development objectives through the planning system. It includes results of a survey of over 200 local authorities across England, and the outputs from a workshop involving 50 local authority planners and others involved in strategic development. Case studies from eight local authorities illustrate the wide range of approaches being taken to overcome the barriers to sustainable development. There are clearly many concerns within local authorities trying to deliver sustainable development, and the report identifies a need for more clarity in policy relating to sustainability and the strengthening of some requirements, particularly building regulations.

Features / Benefits
Shows how BREEAM, EcoHomes and the Code for Sustainable Homes are being used by local authorities to deliver their sustainable development objectives through the planning system
Draws on a survey of over 200 local authorities and the output of a workshop involving 50 local authority planners and others involved in strategic development
Includes eight case studies from local authorities

Readership
Local authority planners, regional and national development agencies, sustainability action groups and developers

Contents

Acknowledgements
 Background
 Changes to the planning system
 Sustainable development, policies and regulation
 What are BREEAM, EcoHomes and the Code for Sustainable Homes?
 How can BREEAM help?
 Sustainability checklists and GreenPrint
 - Regional sustainability checklists for developments
 - BREEAM for Developments
 - GreenPrint
 Potential barriers to success
 Analysis of local authority use of BREEAM
 Case studies
 - Hastings Borough Council
 - Leeds City Centre proposed area action plan
 - Manchester City Council supplementary planning document
 - South Gloucestershire District Council - experience of using BREEAM
 - South Hams District Council adopted core strategy
 - Wycombe District Council draft supplementary planning document
 - Wigan Council supplementary planning document
 - Woking Borough Council wins Beacon status
 The Workshop 'Sustainability through planning' , July 2007
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 Recommendations for further action
 Related legislation
 Government consultation documents
 References
 Further reading
 Acronyms and glossary of terms
 Appendix 1: Note of the Workshop held at BRE on 17 July 2007
 Discussion and conclusion
 23 tables of Information
 Appendix 2: Living within our limits: Reducing the environmental footprint of new development in the Wycombe area. A draft supplementary planning document.
Appendix 3: South Gloucestershire Council experience of using BREEAM