10+% Renewable Energy Policies

Help us keep this list up to date: This is an informal list of local authorities adopting, or considering adopting, prescriptive Merton Rule-like policies. Please help us to keep this list up to date. If your borough is implementing "The Merton Rule" and is not listed, please let us know using the Contact Us page.

TheMertonRule.org aims to encourage the spread of positive planning policies which increase the uptake of renewable energy systems.

By providing a hub for information about The Merton Rule this site encourages local authorities to share best practice and adopt Merton-style policies as part of their Unitary Development Plans (UDP) or Local Development Frameworks (LDF).

What is the 'Merton Rule' and how is it affecting all major development projects?

The 'Merton Rule' is the groundbreaking planning policy, pioneered by the London Borough of Merton, which requires the use of renewable energy onsite to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the built environment. Hundreds of local authorities look set to follow Merton's lead, which will impact all new major development projects throughout the UK.

Background
Following the publication of Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22), Planning Guidance on Renewable Energy, issued by the Office of Deputy Prime Minister in 2004, the London Borough of Merton was the first to formalise the governments renewable energy targets in its adopted UDP, setting the target for the use of onsite renewable energy to reduce annual CO ₂ emissions for all new major developments* in the borough by 10%.