Code For Sustainable Homes (CSH)
The Code for Sustainable Homes was launched in December 2006, introducing a single national standard to be used in the design and construction of new homes in England. Adoption of the Code is intended to encourage continuous improvement in sustainable home building. The Government propose to make it mandatory for all new homes to be rated against the Code for Sustainable Homes. The Code uses a rating system of one to six stars.
The Code for Sustainable Homes is a set of sustainable design principles covering performance in nine category areas.
- Energy and CO2 Emissions
- Water
- Materials
- Surface Water Run-off
- Waste
- Pollution
- Heath and Wellbeing
- Management
- Ecology
In each of these categories, performance targets are proposed which are in excess of the minimum needed to satisfy Building Regulations, but are considered to be sound best practice, technically feasible, and within the capability of the building industry to supply.
Mandatory minimum standards exist in six of the nine areas, for the following elements:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in relation to operational energy
consumption
- Potable Water Consumption (from WCs, showers and baths, taps and
Appliances)
- Embodied Impacts of Construction Materials
- Surface Water Run-off
- Household Waste Storage Space and Facilities
- Construction Site Waste Management
In addition, higher minimum standards for energy and water must be met before the higher levels of the Code can be achieved.
In addition to the mandatory requirements, each design category scores a number of percentage points. The total number of percentage points establishes the ‘star rating’ for the dwelling.
Formal assessment of dwellings using the Code for Sustainable Homes may only be carried out using licensed and registered individuals.
Latest news for the government on the Code for Sustainable Home is posted here:
www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/codesustainable1
For more information about assessments for the Code for Sustainable Homes or EcoHomes go to:
www.breeam.org/csh
www.breeam.org/ecohomes
Detailed Code technical guidance can be downloaded at www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/codeguide
Home Information Packs (HIPs)
The Home Information Pack brings together key information needed by buyers and sellers at the very start of the home-buying and selling process, and ensure that important information about improving the energy efficiency of homes is made available every time a property is sold.
Essential introductory information on HIPs for buyers is given here:
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/consumer/45_Essentialinfobuyer.html
A sample Home Information Pack can be viewed here:
www.homeinformationpack.gov.uk/pdf/sample_HIP_11.pdf
For further information visit
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A. Energy Performance Certificates are a compulsory element to be included within a Home Information Packs.
A sample Energy Performance Certificate can be viewed here:
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/energy-certificate
To locate an energy assessor you can go to:
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/industry/91_How_do_I_find_an_Energy_Assessor.html
For further information visit
www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
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