Summary
Details
- London
Developers / planning applicants whose schemes are referable to the Mayor (i.e., must be referred to the GLA under the Mayor of London Order 2008 categories).
Deep dive
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Introduction
Policy SI 2F aims to reduce the built environment’s climate impact by requiring major, strategically significant schemes to quantify and manage whole life-cycle carbon emissions—not just regulated operational energy. The Mayor’s Guidance explains the assessment approach, recommended methodologies, and how results should be reported to the GLA using an Excel template.
What the policy asks
For referable developments, companies must prepare and submit a WLC Assessment that:
Calculates whole life-cycle carbon emissions (covering embodied + operational emissions and relevant life-cycle modules).
Demonstrates actions taken (and planned) to reduce life-cycle emissions.
Uses the Mayor’s WLC template and provides key details such as the software used and the type of EPDs used, among other information.
When documentation must be submitted
The Guidance states that, for referable applications, the WLC Assessment should be submitted at these stages:
Pre-application (where relevant): applicants are encouraged to carry out early carbon assessment work before the formal planning application, especially for major schemes.
Planning application submission (typically RIBA Stage 2/3): applicants submit the appropriate tab of the WLC template as part of the planning application.
Post-construction: applicants submit the post-construction tab to the GLA prior to occupation, generally expected around three months after construction, alongside supporting evidence.
Status & Outlook
The London Plan 2021 is in force. Updates to the WLC guidance are being considered to reflect methodological developments (such as newer RICS standards) and to improve clarity and usability of reporting templates. This suggests the policy’s reporting framework will be refined over time as industry standards evolve and data availability improves. In practice, the policy continues to influence building design, material specification, and planning evidence for referable developments in London, and borough planning authorities are also encouraged to secure post-construction WLC submissions through planning conditions or legal agreements where relevant.
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