Code For Sustainable Homes
In April 2007, the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced Ecohomes for the assessment of new housing in England.
The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon BRE’s Ecohomes and contains mandatory performance levels in 6 key areas,including Energy efficiency / CO2.
In relation to the Energy / CO2 category, the requirements are a percentage reduction in carbon emissions compared with the Target Emission Rate (TER) calculated in accordance with the Building Regulations Part L1 (2010), and are as follows:
| Energy Efficiency / CO2 |
Code Level | Category | Minimum Standard |
| 1 (★) |
------------------------------------ Minimum Percentage improvement over
Target Emission Rate (TER) as determined by the 2010 Building Regulation Standards |
|
| 2 (★★) |
|
3 (★★★) | Current Building Regulations
|
4 (★★★★) | 25% |
5 (★★★★★) | 100% |
6 (★★★★★★) | A ‘net zero carbon home’ (heating lighting, hot water and all other energy uses in the home) |
From 1st May 2008, it is mandatory that all new homes at the beginning of the construction process (rather than homes that are already being built) have a Sustainable Homes Code certificate produced. These provisions therefore only apply to those new homes where a local authority has received a building notice, initial notice or full plans application after 1st May 2008.
This does not mean that new homes have to be assessed against the code, but it does however mean that all buyers of new homes must be given clear information about the sustainability of the new home. A house builder can do this in one of two ways:
They can chose to build a Code home, have that home assessed against the Code and provide the home buyer with a Code certificate stating the star rating the home has achieved or,
They can chose to build to current building regulations standards, not to pay for an assessment and instead download a free nil-rated certificate of non-assessment (also referred to as a nil-rating) to provide to the home buyer.
Compliance with the Code is mandatory for publicly funded homes (i.e. all social housing and housing built on public sector land) in England from April 2007, but is voluntary in the short term within the private sector. Compass Energy Solutions can provide this certificate for our clients if required.
As of 1st October 2010, Code Levels 1 & 2 cease to exist, and Level 3 will be the minimum standard for all new properties, and a Level 4 (minimum 25% improvement) is expected by 2013. It is also expected ‘zero carbon development’ will be required in all properties by 2016.
How we can help
Compass Energy Solutions have both the experience and knowledge to work with you and your Code Assessor to produce recommendations to achieve the necessary Code Level Rating for the Energy/CO2 category of your development.
We will discuss your needs and look at achieving the most cost effective solution to achieve the necessary code level.
What we Provide
By using government approved software, we will produce;
Preferred options to achieve compliance for the Energy / CO2 code category
A report stating the code level reached for submission to Building Control
The recommendations required, including a breakdown of U-Values
Comprehensive advice and support throughout the whole process
Please contact us for a friendly chat to discuss your project requirements.