Communities and Local Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and to tackling climate change, a global phenomenon with major environmental, social and economic implications for this country.

The Government has set a target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent (relative to 1990 levels) by 2050.

As part of its wide-ranging drive to meet that target the Government is encouraging householders and others to use microgeneration technologies to produce sustainable energy.

At the same time the Government is emphasising the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. There is much all of us can do with relatively little effort to cut our energy use – and save money.

This guide looks at the main domestic microgeneration technologies and for the different ways to make more efficient use of energy in the home.

The Government has recently extended and clarified the scope of permitted development for installing microgeneration equipment in domestic properties.

The objective is to provide a clear set of rules that provide extra freedom for permitted development so long as it has little or no impact beyond the host property.

Wind turbines and air source heat pumps are not yet permitted development. However, once standards have been established to address the potential impacts of noise and vibration these technologies will also enjoy permitted development rights.

Read more about the setting of noise and vibration standards.

Planning Portal acknowledges the co-operation of the Energy Saving Trust in compiling this guide.