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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Do you need permission?
  3. Common projects
  4. Kitchens and bathrooms
  5. Sustainability

Kitchens and bathrooms

Sustainability
  1. Planning Permission
  2. Greener Homes
  3. Is building regulations approval needed for work to a kitchen or bathroom?
  4. Building Regulations: Impact on accessibility of ground floor toilets
  5. Building Regulations: Suitability of existing floor structures
  6. Building Regulations: Need for additional ventilation
  7. Sustainability
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Sustainability

Just as with any project, it’s important to consider sustainability measures when fitting or designing a kitchen or bathroom. 

Below are some key considerations that can help you create a sustainable kitchen or bathroom: 

Installing energy-efficient appliances

Choosing kitchen and bathroom appliances with high energy ratings is one of the best ways to guarantee the room is running in the most environmentally friendly way. You can measure the energy efficiency of appliances by looking at energy labels1. It’s also advisable to invest in high-quality, durable appliances to avoid the need to replace them regularly. 

Installing durable fixtures

It’s a good idea to invest in high-quality, durable fixtures and materials to extend the lifespan of your kitchen and bathroom components and reduce the need for frequent replacements. 

Proper insulation

Ensure proper insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent avoidable heat loss. 

Renewable energy sources

It’s worth considering using renewable energy sources to power your project if possible. Consider incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels and using energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs. 


You might consider installing a Building Management System which can help you to monitor a building’s energy efficiency.  

It’s also important to ensure that all wastage associated with the project is recycled and/or reused as much as possible. 

It’s imperative to discuss sustainability, durability and longevity considerations with the tradespeople helping you to carry out your project. You can find a trusted trade person to help you complete your project by using our ‘find a professional’2 tool. 


Find a Trade Professional

Use our partner directories to find a planning or building professional to help with your project or development.

Find a professional (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional)

Find a professional


Useful links

Make an application (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app/applications)

Make an application

Speak to an expert (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/planning-guidance-service)

Speak to an expert

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/home-improvement/planning-consultancy-calculator)

Studio Charrette consultancy calculator

Sell your site with Land Match (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/commercial-developments/sell-your-site)

Sell your site with Land Match
    1. https://www.energylabel.org.uk/the-new-label/in-a-nutshell/
    2. 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.