Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code), was introduced by the Government in December 2006, to drive a step-change in sustainable home building practice. It comes at a time when the momentum towards building greener, more sustainable homes has never been greater.
The Code will signal the future direction of Building Regulations (in terms of home energy usage) and provide greater regulatory certainty for the homebuilding industry. The Code is a standard for key elements of the design and construction in every new home. It will become a single national standard to guide designers and builders alike, as well as stimulating continuous improvement, greater innovation and exemplary performance in sustainability.
The Code for Sustainable Homes
It has been developed using the Building Research Establishment's (BRE) Eco Homes system and introduces minimum standards for energy and water efficiency as well as awarding points for new areas of sustainability design, such as Life Homes. The Code measures the sustainability of a home against design categories, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package.
The nine areas considered are:
- Energy and CO2
- Water
- Materials
- Surface Water Run-off
- Waste
- Pollution
- Health and Well-being
- Management and Ecology
Sustainability ratings
The Code uses a sustainability rating - indicated by stars - to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a home. Ratings range from one to six stars, depending on the extent to which Code standards have been achieved. Apart from these minimum requirements, the Code is completely flexible: developers can choose which and how many standards they implement to obtain points under the Code. This means the choice of heating system has a tremendous impact on a building's rating. And thanks to years of investment in new technologies BDR Thermea has the perfect range to help you reach your targets.
The Code for Sustainable Homes Levels
- Above regulatory standards and of a similar standard to BRE's Eco Homes Pass level and the EST's Good Practice Standard for energy
- A similar standard to Eco Homes Good level - awarded if a developer has been able to demonstrate good practice
- Broadly similar standard to BRE Eco Homes Very Good Level
- Developers that demonstrate exemplary environmental performance, with partially high standards of energy and water efficiency. This will require a reduction in CO2 emissions of 44% compared to current Building Regulations
- Developers that demonstrate exemplary environmental performance, with particularly high standards of energy and water efficiency. This represents zero emissions in respect of Building Regulation issues (i.e. zero emissions of CO2 for heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting)
- Aspirational standard based on zero carbon emissions for the dwelling and high performance across all environmental categories
The importance of compliance
These targets must be met by housing providers and developers, but beyond this the Code is completely flexible - allowing developers to decide how high to set their standards. In order to achieve a high sustainability rating, an energy efficient heating system is essential.
Sign up for regular news and product launches from BDR Thermea
Find out how our consultancy service could benefit your development.png){kind=logo}