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The Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). All new homes in Pembrokeshire require a minimum level 3 star certification since September 2010.

In July of last year the coalition Government re-affirmed their committment to the previous government’s target of ‘Zero Carbon Homes’ by 2016. We are yet to have the announcement (expected early 2011) of exactly what ‘Zero Carbon’ means in practical terms. However the Code for Sustainable Homes is ultimately the legislative 'vehicle' by which these targets are driven and as such the November 2010 edition of the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide has been released to correspond with the revised Building Regulations Document Part L1A, which came into force on the 1st October 2010. This document alone has introduced a 25% improvement in the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) over the Target Emission Rate (TER) for a new dwelling over the previous 2006 L1A document. However the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) requires a 33% improvement in Wales which equates to an 8% improvement over the new Document L1A 2010.

The Code also gives new homebuyers better information about the environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.

From 1st September 2010 the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 has become mandatory to all housing. Currently all Welsh Assembly funded Affordable Housing Schemes have to meet level 3 of the Code and this is expected to be increased to Level 4 next year and with yet another revision of Building Regulations destined to arrive in 2013, the march towards ‘Zero Carbon’ by 2016 is inevitable.

As licensed BREEAM Code Assessor’s we can guide you through the entire process from a Pre Assessment (a mandatory Planning requirement) through to the Design Stage (completed before work starts on site) and onto the Post Construction Stage Assessment (completed prior to occupation). We recommend that strong consideration to the Code requirements are given as early as possible in the design stage.

We trained and qualified in the predecessor to The Code for Sustainable Homes, ‘EcoHomes’ in 2006 and as such we are fully conversant with The Code for Sustainable Homes and have kept abreast of all the developments since its introduction in April 2007. We have experience of working with private clients, contractors and developers on schemes that have to meet Levels 3, 4&5 under the Code.

We can advise contractors, developers and self-builders in Pembrokeshire, Camarthenshire, Ceredigion and beyond, on their options in meeting the levels under the Code. With the benefit of using our network of consultants we can appoint the appropriate professionals on your behalf and bring together a design team to see your project through, ensuring compliance under the Code. We do offer our services as Code Assessors as a completely independent service from our Architectural Services and as such we are more than happy to work with any pre-existing designers and consultants to ensure that your obligations and more importantly your aspirations are met under the Code for Sustainable Homes.

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For any advice or for a fee proposal please contact nick@rlh50.com