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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
  3. Common projects
  4. Warehouses and industrial buildings
  5. Sustainability

Warehouses and industrial buildings

Sustainability
  1. Planning Permission
  2. Building Regulations
  3. Sustainability
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Sustainability

As with any project, its important to place emphasis on sustainability practices when planning and constructing a warehouse or industrial building.  

You can find some key sustainability considerations for your warehouse or industrial building below: 

  • Site selection and design – it’s important to choose a location for your warehouse that will minimize disruption to local biodiversity and is also orientated in a way to maximise natural light and ventilation to save on electricity consumption. 
  • Materials – where possible, aim to use materials which are environmentally friendly, such as reclaimed or recycled materials. It’s also important to ensure that materials used are high-quality and durable, to avoid unnecessary replacements and maintenance. 
  • Insulation – save on energy by ensuring that the walls, roof and floors are properly insulated. 
  • Aim to meet the sustainability requirements laid out by important certifications such as Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM1) to ensure your building's environmental performance. 

Read our detailed guidance on ways to sustainably power your project2 and to save on energy3. Find out more here. 

Any waste associated with the building and maintenance of a warehouse or industrial building should be recycled and/or reused as much as possible. 

It’s imperative to discuss sustainability with the tradespeople working on your project. Find a trusted trade person to help complete the job today, using our 'find a professional’4 tool. 

  1. https://bregroup.com/products/breeam/
  2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/greener-homes/home-energy-generation/introduction
  3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/energy-saving/how-can-i-save-energy-in-my-home
  4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional

Disclaimer

This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
Read our full disclaimer1.

  1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/terms-and-disclaimer/terms-and-conditions


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    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.