Code for Sustainable Homes

Background to the Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes was launched in April 2007. The UK government has made it mandatory for new build housing in England to be rated against the Code from 1st May 2008. This represents one of the most fundamental changes affecting house building since building regulations were introduced.

The Code has been developed by the Buildings Research Establishment (BRE), Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) and the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The Code replaced EcoHomes (for new-build in England) as of April 10th 2007.

The Code for sustainable homes assesses nine major areas of a development:

Energy, Water, Materials, Surface Water Run-Off, Waste, Pollution, Health and Well-Being, Management and Ecology.

Each home will be assessed individually, which differs from EcoHomes which was a whole site assessment. All dwellings are required to have a Post Construction Stage assessment and report. Many local authorities are now insisting on code level 3 for all new housing.