Low Emission Strategies

Low Emission Strategies (LES) provide an essential model to ensure new developments are designed with the lowest environmental impact possible.

Development and regeneration have potential to generate traffic and congestion leading to air pollution and increased emissions of carbon dioxide. LES help to tackle both problems.

LES can be implemented through the planning system. This is done by applying a combination of measures tailored to an individual site. This may, for example, include a Low Emission Zone where site access is restricted for dirty or in-efficient vehicles. The approach is particularly effective when applied in combination with complimentary measures such as smarter choices, green travel planning and public transport investment.

The primary aim of LES is to accelerate the uptake of low emission fuels and technologies in and around a development site. Some authorities are already making effective use of LES, while others are struggling to take full advantage! Read more

The LES partnership supports the wider adoption of LES by planning authorities and encourages the use of well established and innovative measures. LES can be achievable and effective when planners and environmental practitioners work together and can contribute to achieving Local Area Agreements. The LES partnership aims to show and share best practice and support networking and cross communication between partners, peers, local authorities and practitioners.

The partnership is working with local authorities across England to support the delivery of LES in their area. Please see Project Updates for progress.

The DEFRA/LES Good Practice Guidance outlines the important principles and methodology behind LES and presents current good practice and introduces new thinking.

To obtain a copy of the DEFRA/LES Good Practice Guidance, please download it here. For further information on progress of the report, please see the FAQs.