As of April 2007 a Code for Sustainable Homes came into effect in England and it became compulsory on 2008. The Code for Sustainable Homes has been designed to be a national standard for the design and construction of sustainable homes and complements the Energy Performance Certificates
The Code for Sustainable Homes is designed to help the building industry become more sustainable and for more homes to be carbon zero. The code builds upon the EcoHomes assessment for environmentally friendly housing and covers a number of design categories. These include energy/CO2, water, materials, surface water run-off, waste, pollution, health and wellbeing, management and ecology.
The overall aims of the Code for Sustainable Homes include a reduction in carbon emissions, the better adaptation of homes to climate change and an overall reduced impact of building on the environment. In addition, there are benefits to the ‘consumer’ in terms of the cost of running a home and the ratings will undoubtedly become a selling point. The code has a one to six star rating system with each level having minimum standards for energy and water use.
For more information on the Code for Sustainable Homes visit the Communities & Local Government website.
For related information visit the UK Energy Saving links at - Energy Efficient Home Building Sustainable Building UK Green Building Council
