The Result
An office development required a commercial energy statement that clearly aligned with local plan policy and demonstrated a credible, deliverable energy strategy.
ATSPACE produced the statement, mapped it to the planning authority’s structure, presented baseline and proposed performance clearly, and confirmed measures that strengthened carbon performance without compromising design intent.
The planning submission benefited from a policy‑aligned, evidence‑based document rather than assumptions or vague claims.
Project Snapshot
Service: Energy statements
Client: Developer + planning consultant
Site: Crescent Exchange, 110 Station Road, Guildford GU1 4DL
Development: 6‑storey new office building with reception + amenity space
Stage: Planning submission
Services intent: All‑electric building with high‑efficiency plant, smart controls and renewables
ATSPACE delivery: Energy statement, policy mapping, energy modelling, measures schedule, deliverability notes, submission‑ready report
Team: ATSPACE commercial energy assessor + building performance lead
Why Office Energy Statements Need Careful Handling
Commercial energy statements often fail because:
- the services narrative is too vague or “brochure‑style”
- lighting and control details are unclear
- the strategy doesn’t align with local policy structure
- delivery and evidence pathways are not explained
- assumptions rely on idealised performance rather than real control strategies
Office developments are sensitive to later‑stage changes.
If the energy strategy is unrealistic, it can trigger planning conditions that become expensive or restrictive.
What ATSPACE Was Asked To Do
The client needed a statement that:
- aligned clearly with local‑policy expectations
- presented baseline and proposed performance transparently
- defined a realistic, deliverable office energy strategy
- set out how the approach would carry through technical design and commissioning
- reduced planning queries through clear evidence
What ATSPACE Delivered
Step 1: Policy mapping and structure
We structured the statement to match the exact policy requirements:
- demand‑reduction measures
- supply‑side efficiency measures
- low‑carbon and renewable options
- baseline vs proposed comparison
- deliverability and next steps
This prevented the common issue of submitting a technically dense report that doesn’t answer the planning policy questions.
Step 2: Define the office energy strategy clearly
We confirmed key strategy components and described them in a way planning officers can follow and technical teams can deliver:
- efficient all‑electric heating and cooling zones
- ventilation strategy suited to office occupancy
- efficient lighting with effective lighting controls
- credible metering and controls narrative
- realistic renewables based on roof constraints
We avoided vague commitments and clearly distinguished planning‑stage commitments from detailed‑design confirmations.
Step 3: Baseline and proposed performance evidence
We produced clear outputs showing:
- baseline performance
- proposed performance
- assumptions used
- justification for each planning‑stage assumption
Step 4: Deliverability notes to protect the project
We added practical guidance on:
- what must be confirmed at technical design
- evidence required for compliance and commissioning
- value‑engineering risks and how to control them
- interactions between energy strategy, comfort and operational needs
This reduces the risk of planning compliance being diluted later.
Issues That Could Have Derailed the Statement
Issue 1: Tenancy flexibility vs fixed services assumptions
Fix: Performance‑based commitments with minimum efficiency standards, enabling tenant flexibility without weakening the strategy.
Issue 2: Roof constraints for renewables
Fix: Proposed renewables realistically based on available roof zones, with clear confirmation route at detailed design.
Issue 3: Controls narrative missing
Fix: Added a clear controls strategy covering zoning, schedules and commissioning intent.
Outcome
The office energy statement aligned fully with local plan policy and supported the planning submission with a clear, evidence‑based strategy.
Project outcomes:
- planning‑ready energy statement in a format case officers can review easily
- defined energy strategy deliverable at technical design stage
- reduced risk of planning queries due to vague or unclear evidence
- clearer pathway through compliance and commissioning
Common Mistakes This Project Avoided
- submitting jargon‑heavy, evidence‑light reports
- relying on optimistic assumptions without control clarity
- proposing renewables without analysing roof constraints
- leaving lighting + controls too vague
- producing a generic report that ignores local policy structure
CTA
If your office development needs a commercial energy statement aligned to local plan policy with a clear, deliverable strategy, ATSPACE will produce an evidence‑led report that supports planning and protects the project through delivery.
Ask for:
- commercial energy statements for planning
- office energy strategy + policy mapping
- clear baseline and proposed performance analysis
- practical deliverability notes for technical design + commissioning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a commercial energy statement usually include for an office?
A policy‑aligned strategy, baseline vs proposed comparison, defined measures for demand reduction and efficiency, and a realistic renewables position.
How do you avoid planning queries on energy statements?
By mapping the structure to local policy, keeping assumptions transparent, and presenting evidence instead of vague claims.
Can the statement support later stages?
Yes — a good energy statement sets a clear performance pathway for technical design, procurement and commissioning.
