An introduction to the new Code for Sustainable Homes

The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has developed the Code for Sustainable Homes (Code) in conjunction with the BRE as a further continuation and improvement on the existing and well-known EcoHomes scheme.

 

All new developments will be registered under the Code* which remains similar to EcoHomes with many credits kept the same or with only slight modifications.

 

* in some select circumstances, developments might qualify to be registered under the old EcoHomes 2006 scheme. Please contact us for more information.
 

 

The Code Star Scoring System

Developments will get a score from 1 to 6 stars depending on the level of performance overall and within select credits. A six star rating will be awarded to carbon neutral homes that would additionally incorporate substantial eco-friendly features, such as rainwater harvesting systems.

 

Code Level		EcoHomes Equivalence
Level 1	«	PASS
Level 2	««	GOOD
Level 3	«««	VERY GOOD
Level 4	««««	EXCELLENT
Level 5	«««««	---
Level 6	««««««	---

 

 

Nine Credit Categories

1. Energy/CO₂
2. Water
3. Materials
4. Surface Water Run-off
5. Waste
6. Pollution
7. Health and well-being
8. Management
9. Ecology

 

Code Highlights - Main Differences from EcoHomes

1. Compulsory requirements will have to be met for all developments in

    order  to achieve even the lowest Code Level 1.
2. For each Code Level, variable minimum thresholds will need to be

    achieved in terms of energy (CO₂ emissions) and internal water

    consumption.
3. Post Construction Review on-site audits and assessments have

    become compulsory, to ensure Code-related design specifications are

    incorporated into the buildings.
4. Code assessments will be carried out at the individual dwelling level,

    instead of the full development and one Code Certificate per dwelling

    will be issued.

 

How EcoConsulting can Help

 

In order to achieve the highest possible rating at the lowest capital cost, BRE recommends high involvement of an assessor from the earliest design stage, particularly for the first few projects of a developer under the Code.

 

EcoConsulting offers the following Code for Sustainable Homes services:

 

     • Code pre-assessment and pre-planning sustainability report
     • Pre-certification advice on achieving a specific Star Level
     • NHER-certified SAP assessments needed to assess Ene1 (Dwelling Emission

       Rate) and Ene2 (Building Envelope) energy credits

     • Day-lighting Calculations and advice on achieving Hea1 (Daylighting) credits
     • Holistic approach on integrating best practice and cost-effective solutions into

       design
     • Code final assessment and certification
 

For more information about conducting a Code for Sustainable Homes assessment, or on detailed advice on how to achieve the best rating, please contact us.