Belgravia Sustainability Charter

 

The Belgravia Plan seeks to ensure that any new building or major building renovation MINIMISES future energy consumption and MAXIMISES effective land drainage.

We encourage all projects to observe the following principles:

  1. do construct buildings and spaces that avoid high energy to run (e.g. basements that require artificial lighting, ventilation etc; swimming pools that need heating, floodlighting, etc).
  2. do construct spaces that can easily be naturally ventilated (e.g. avoiding predominantly glass buildings which require mechanical ventilation; designing windows that can be fully opened, etc).
  3. do keep glass window to wall ratios as low as possible to minimise solar heating and the need to cool artificially whilst also taking into account the need to provide natural light and other design related matters.
  4. do design buildings to minimise the need for air-conditioning, including through reducing the need for equipment that generates high levels of heat and/or emissions.
  5. do fit external sun shading devices to keep buildings cooler in summer (e.g. blinds and awnings), taking into account any implications on listed buildings and/or Conservation Areas.
  6. do insulate against both summer heat and winter cold.
  7. do install the lowest possible energy consumption and emission heating and cooking appliances (e.g. heat pumps in preference to gas boilers; electric boilers, induction hobs and microwave ovens).
  8. do design features that maximise free drainage to permit rainwater to soak away and avoid features which could impede rainwater absorption (e.g. basement excavations which take up absorbent sub-soil, impermeable walkways, paved-over rear gardens).
  9. do maximise planting in natural earth and provide appropriate drainage systems.
  10. do implement Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) where possible (including raingardens, permeable paving and other solutions) to prevent excess water in the main drainage system.
  11. do integrate the use of solar energy where appropriate and feasible.
  12. do utilise sustainable, recycled, or low-carbon impact materials in construction and renovation projects wherever possible.
  13. do provide facilities for cycling and electric vehicle charging stations to encourage the use of greener modes of transport.
  14. do design outdoor spaces that include greenery, such as gardens, green roofs, or living walls, to improve air quality and provide habitats for local wildlife.
  15. do install water-efficient appliances and fixtures, and consider systems for rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling.