The Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home.
The Code for Sustainable Homes sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
The Code will provide valuable information to home buyers, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.
Guidance on how to comply with the Code can be found in the publications The Code for Sustainable Homes: Technical guide, which sets out the requirements for the Code, and the process by which a Code assessment is reached, and The Code for Sustainable Homes: Setting the Sustainability Standards for New Homes which sets out the assessment process and the performance standards required for the Code.
Depending on the technology selected, renewables like solar electricity can be an extremely effective way of reducing carbon emissions.
For example, a standard photovoltaic system can reduce CO2 emissions by over 30% on a typical 3 bed end of terrace house built to Part L 2006 standards. With the Code for Sustainable Homes requiring a CO2 reduction of 25% for Code Level 3, or 44% for Code Level 4, an installation such as this makes a huge contribution to CO2 reduction targets.
The Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code is a points-based system and the required reductions in CO2 emissions, whether through passive measures or the installation of renewables, will earn you points towards your Code Level (5.8 points for Code Level 3, and 9.4 points for Code Level 4).
However, if you have achieved your reductions using renewable energy, then further points are awarded; 1.2 points if 10% of energy demand is met through renewables, or 2.4 points for 15%.
Contact Us to see how we can help you meet The Code for Sustainable Homes.
