A code for sustainable homes

Technical guidance to help the building industry deliver key improvements to the energy efficiency of new homes has been published by communities and local government.

Published by British Builder and Developer

In december last year, the code for sustainable homes - a new national standard for sustainable designand construction of new homes was launched. By integrating elements of this voulantary code into new homes and obtaining assessments against the code, developers will be able to obtain a ;star rating' for any new home which will demonstrate its environmental performance. As the code for sustainable homes comes into effect, the maual sets out the requirements for the code, and the process by which a code assessment is reached. It aims to make the system of obtaining a code assessment as simple, transparent and rigorous as possible.It will help deliver homes which use less energy and produce fewer harmful carbon dioxide emissions as well as cutting down on water used and waste generated.

The code will also provide valuable information to home buyers abouyt the running costs of their homes, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainable terms. the government has set the ambitious aim that all new homes will be zero carbon by 2016 and the code will be the measure by which this target is assessed. The guidance, drafted by the BREEM centre at the building research establishment, will explain to code asssessors, home builder, product manufacturers and consumers in a simple and transparent way how the code levels can be achieved.

Communities and local Government Minister Angela Smith said " Homes account for more than a quarter of carbon emmissions and it is vital that we act now to tackle climate change from as many fronts as possible. Building the right type of sustainable homes for future generations is one wayin which we can help achieve a 60% reduction in emmissisons by 2050. The guidance explains to the building industry, but also crucially to the public, how new homes can deliverreal environmental improvements in key areas like water and energy use. It will also play a real part in helping us all understand how we use the homes we live in and how we can do our bit to help tackle climate change" The code for sustainable homes was launched as part of a package of measures towards zero carbon development, including an over aching consulation: Building a greene future on the shift to zero carbon; and a consultation on the draft of a new planning policy statement: Planning and climate change. Voluntary assessment against the code ' goes live ' on 10 April