Code for Sustainable Homes

Similarly to Ecohomes dwellings are assessed and awarded credits according to the level of performance in 9 categories:

Energy and CO₂ Emissions
Water
Materials
Surface Water Run Off
Waste
Pollution
Health and Wellbeing
Management
Ecology

The Scoring System

The Code has a scoring system of six levels. The different levels are made up by achieving both the appropriate mandatory minimum standards together with a proportion of the ‘flexible’ standards. The Code for Sustainable Homes assessments are carried out in two stages: design stage and post construction review. For further information regarding the Code, including a copy of the Code for Sustainable Homes, can be downloaded from the CLG website.

Key differences between The Code for Sustainable Homes and EcoHomes

Individual dwellings are assessed rather than schemes or groups of dwellings
Rated on a scale from Level 1 to Level 6
Compliance with Lifetime Homes is required to achieve Level 6 of the Code
Dwellings must be assessed both at design stage and post construction
Certificate must be issued for all dwellings, even if they have not been assessed (nil rated certificate)
Mandatory minimum standards for CO2 emission rates, indoor water use, materials, waste and surface water run-off

Requirements

The Code for Sustainable Homes does not apply in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland a code level 3 on all public sector homes has been required since April 2008.

Homes built with an element of funding from the Housing Corporation or English Partnerships are also required to be built to Code level 3 as a minimum from 2008.

Code level 4 has been specified for the London Olympic Village and the “Eco-towns” planned by Communities and Local Government (CLG) must meet Code level 5/6.

In England all new dwellings must have a Code for Sustainable Homes rating as of 1st May 2008.

The Code for Sustainable Homes does not apply in Wales at the moment but it is likely to be adopted in the near future.

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