East Suffolk Council

Environment Guidance Note

The Environmental Guidance Note has been produced to support the positive environmental vison of the council and in response to the climate emergency as recognised by the Council in 2019. The guidance note supports the Council’s vision of building the right environment for East Suffolk, as well as the Council’s ambitions to become a carbon neutral council and work with others to make Suffolk as a whole carbon neutral by 2030.

The guidance note offers clear, concise information on a range of key environmental issues relating to the building industry. The guidance will assist those seeking to mitigate the impact of construction on climate change by offering support and advice on a range of key environmental issues. The environmental guidance was endorsed by the Council at the Full Council meeting on 25 November 2020.

The topics addressed in the guidance note are:

• Energy Efficiency
• Renewable Energy
• Nature and Wildlife
• Siting and Orientation
• Sustainable Travel
• Surface water run-off
• Water Conservation
• Materials and Waste

Each of the key environmental topics includes a summary of the issues, what East Suffolk Council is doing in relation to the issue, what to aim for in new development, and key sources for further information. All planning policies, building regulations and websites listed under sources for further information are interactive hyperlinks to assist the document user.

The guidance note can be used to inform the design of new developments, renovation of existing buildings, design and access statements, neighbourhood plans, comments made on planning applications, general household maintenance and home improvements, and much more.