Who should use the Checklist?

The Checklist should be used on new or regeneration schemes to assess the sustainability potential of the proposed scheme.

Developers

A developer can use the checklist to scope the issues and opportunities of the site and set a sustainability framework and KPIs, to check whether the design of their development meets their own and their client’s sustainability requirements. More importantly, they can see how their design meets local and regional planning standards and requirements for sustainability of development. Using the Checklist to test the design before it is finalised should help it to meet local planning requirements.

Local Authority Planners

On receipt of a completed Checklist, planners have a straightforward graphic overview of the sustainability performance of a planning application. More detail is easily obtainable from within the Checklist if required.

Local policy targets can be inserted into the tool where national or regional minimum targets do not exist. It can also be used to set site specific targets, in site briefs or supplementary planning documents. For an example see: Wolverhampton.

If a local authority would like to tailor and localise the Checklist they should contact AWM’s Sustainable Construction Manager.

Local Authority Planning Committee Members

The summary report produced by the Checklist gives an easy to read overview as to how the development performs on sustainability issues. Topics covered provide a comprehensive and straightforward framework for discussions.

Funding Bodies

Funding bodies can set a specific overall score for the Checklist as part of their funding criteria. For example AWM are using this as part of the criteria within their built environment funding standards.