What is the Code for Sustainable Homes?
A New National Standard
The code for sustainable homes has been developed to enable step change in sustainable building practice for new homes. It has been prepared by the Government in close working consultation with the build research establishment (BRE) and construction industry research and Information Association (CIRIA), and through consultation with a senior Steering Group consisting of Government, industry and NGO representatives. The code is intended as a single national standard to guide industry in the design and construction of sustainable homes. It is a means of driving continuous improvement, greater innovation and exemplary achievement in sustainable home building.
Set of Sustainable Design Principles
The Code measures the sustainability of a home against design categories, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. Those familiar with building regulations, will recognise this as a major and welcome departure from current practice.
The design categories included within the Code are as follows:
- Energy/C02
- Water
- Materials
- Surface water run-off
- Waste
- Pollution
- Health and well-being
- Management
- Ecology
A Mark of Quality
In this era, with more environmentally conscious public, aware of the urgent need to limit their effects on climate change, there is a growing appetite amongst consumers for more sustainable products and services. With greater demand for homes that offer reduced environmental impact, lower running cots and features that enhance health and well-being, there is an increased need for homes builders to demonstrate their capacity in sustainable home building, and to market the sustainability of their homes to homebuyers. The Code for sustainable homes offers a tool for home builders to demonstrate the suitability performance of their homes, and to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Benefits for the Consumers
Assisting choice: The Code will provide valuable information to homebuyers on the sustainability performance of different homes, assisting them in their choice of a new home.
Reducing environmental 'footprint': By asking for a new home which meets the Code standard, consumers will be able to encourage industry to build more sustainable homes, and reduce their own 'footprint' on the environment.
Lower running costs: Homes built to Code standards will have lower running costs through greater energy and water efficiency than homes not built to Code standard, so helping to reduce fuel poverty.
Improved well-being: Homes built to Code standard will provide a more pleasant and healthy place to live, for example with more natural light, and adaptability for future needs.
