Do you acknowledge that the use of the blanket term “ambient loop systems” is excluding innovative solutions which can connect to a district heat network, such as the innovative Zeroth Energy System, which is capable of offering energy savings of more than 60% when compared to higher temperature alternatives and significantly reducing overheating in tall buildings, therefore contributing to aims of the London Plan 2021?

No. The GLA’s draft Energy Assessment Guidance does not prevent the use of ambient loop systems, only systems using individual heat pumps in heat network priority areas where there is potential to connect to a district heat network. This is for the reasons outlined in the response to Mayor’s Question 2022/0750.

All major applications are required to follow the London Plan cooling hierarchy to reduce and mitigate against the risk of overheating.

The London Plan sets an ambitious net zero carbon target for major development which is resulting in highly efficient buildings that utilise innovative low carbon heat and renewable technologies.