The Code for Sustainable Homes, which has superseded EcoHomes, was launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and went ‘live’ on 10th April 2007. It is based on BRE's environmental assessment method for housing, with mandatory performance levels set in key areas.
The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes designed with sustainability in mind.
The ‘credit’ system of the Code for Sustainable Homes is similar to EcoHomes however there are new mandatory minimum levels of performance that have been introduced covering:
- Energy efficiency/CO2 emissions
- Water
- Efficiency
- Surface Water Management
- Site Waste Management
- Household Waste Management
- Use of Materials
The minimum Energy/CO2 standards for Code Level 1 are higher than current Building Regulations. Level 3 of the new Code for Sustainable Homes is the equivalent of EcoHomes ‘Very Good’.
The Code for Sustainable Homes is thought to be a stepping stone towards all new homes being zero carbon by 2016 and a mandatory rating against the Code was implemented by the Government from 1 May 2008.
JPA are accredited BREEAM* Offices, Schools, EcoHomes and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors and can provide advice and guidance on compliance with these standards. Our sustainability team can also offer a dynamic Thermal Modelling Service that enables us to determine the thermal performance of a building at the design stage as well as day light analysis; both requirements of a BREEAM Assessment.