Sustainable design and construction

There are several building and environmental standards which can be useful in improving development. For example, BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes. This can be through both the design and construction phases.

These are reflected in our Sustainable Design and Construction supplementary planning document (PDF 1.3Mb). This is a manual for designers and developers to guide them through suggested improvements to their practices and processes.

These approaches aim to:

  • protect the environment
  • ensure a healthy built environment for residents and visitors
  • support a sustainable local economy by helping businesses to operate more efficiently

Using more resource efficient processes can and does save money. The buildings and public realm produced in this way result in a living environment which promotes health and well being. View our key priorities for health and spatial planning (PDF 361Kb).

There is also a checklist (PDF 243Kb) which accompanies the Sustainable Design and Construction SPD. It's designed to reflect the range of environmental standards available and can be used at any stage of design or construction to check for areas of potential improvement.

It's full of useful contacts and resources. Some are government sponsored regional or local schemes who can advise on;:

  • being more efficient
  • accessing finance and/or funding
  • the best options

You can also email planning.policy@stockport.gov.uk for more information on any of the following:

  • location and transport, including green travel planning guidance
  • site layout and building design. Find out about passive solar design for example
  • materials. Find information on resourcing more sustainable materials or re-using your own
  • waste. Find out how to save money by sorting and recycling waste
  • energy. There's lots of help energy efficient design, low and zero carbon as well as renewable energy options
  • water. Find information on sustainable urban drainage, green roofs and permeable paving
  • landscape and biodiversity. Find out which local species to plant and enhance the marketability of your site through its biodiversity benefits
  • health and wellbeing. A healthy building improves workforce productivity and performance
  • marketing and management. Access the growing demand for resource efficient buildings

There are more resources available to help with sustainable design and construction including:

  • training, which is often free
  • events and networking opportunities via the Sustainable Buildings regional network

Visit these websites for other training and information resources: