Whole life-cycle carbon (WLC), Circular Economy (CE) and retrofit

General

• What is working well about current approaches to [WLC/CE]? What is working less well?
• Should re-use of buildings always be prioritized? 
• What considerations should be taken into account when making decisions about refurbishing or demolishing existing buildings? 
• What would be the trade-offs? (e.g between operational vs embodied emissions, and achieving other planning objectives) 
• What are the current barriers to retaining existing buildings? (and can planning help overcome any of these barriers?)
• Have the GLA’s WLC and CE policies shifted industry practices in giving greater consideration to retention of existing structures?

WLC

The current London Plan policy requires referable developments to assess and reduce the whole life-cycle carbon associated with the proposal. The policy is supported by guidance that includes benchmark WLC values (including an aspirational benchmark) for different development types which schemes are compared against. 

• Should the London Plan set targets or limits for WLC? 

- What are the pluses and minuses or setting numerical targets? 

- Which modules should be included? 

- Should we be following an industry standard on WLC/embodied carbon?

• Should WLC be part of ‘net zero’ and should the carbon offsetting calculation include emissions associated with WLC? Should this be all emissions, in-use, materials?

Heritage

• Should there be a clearer policy around a presumption that buildings of heritage value should only be demolished and rebuilt as a last resort? 
• Should the Mayor require boroughs to also develop locally specific retrofit policies for their areas which also include more minor forms of development, to cover heritage buildings and conservation areas?
• To what extent are we willing to allow visual changes within our areas of heritage value to ensure that our built stock is fit for purpose in an increasingly volatile climate and increasing their mitigation?

Retrofit

• What types of changes to London’s existing building stock do you think will be most important for us to ensure that it remains fit for purpose in terms of heat and energy?

Other 

• What types of evidence would be most important / useful for understanding the above?
• What can the London Plan do to support a more regenerative approach to design and practice in the built environment?