The Code for Sustainable Homes is a rating system that measures the environmental impact for new build housing in England. The code was officially launched back in December 2006 and was designed to complement the system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for new homes that were built or developed in 2008 under the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment is a mandatory assessment under current building regulations but it does represent important development towards limiting the environmental impact of housing. Currently the minimum Code level for newly built social housing is CSH Level 3. As of Autumn this year there will be a minimum target level of Code Level 3 for ENE category 1 new-build private dwellings.
The Code has taken over from the previous Building Research Establishment's EcoHomes rating scheme that was first used back in 2000. The Government owned scheme currently only applies to new build dwellings in England but the National Welsh Assembly recently announced a plan to adopt the code, while Northern Ireland are required to achieve a code level 3 on all public sector homes. The rating acts as an incentive to home builders to consider building to the Code's higher standards, whilst making the information routinely available will encourage consumers to be more demanding.
The Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment works by giving new build homes a star rating from 1 to 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability factors, which is designed to assess the overall environmental impact of the house. Six stars is the highest by showing high quality development in terms of sustainability and one being the entry level. The Code has a number of sustainability criteria which include the following:
§ Energy and CO2 Emissions – This involves both the operational energy through the build and resulting emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
§ Surface Water Run-off – Surface water run-off patterns as a result of the development have an impact and are assessed. The consumption of potable water from the public supply systems or other ground water resources.
§ Materials – Construction materials are assessed for key construction elements.
§ Waste – The generation of waste as a result of the construction process and facilities encouraging recycling of household waste.
§ Pollution – Pollution levels have to be assessed from the operation of the dwelling
§ Health and Well-Being – The effect of the dwelling’s design and indoor environment has on its occupants.
§ Management – An assessment of the quality of management of the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the home
§ Ecology – Assessment of the impact of the dwelling on the local land use, ecosystem and bio-diversity.
This vital assessment needs to be carried out by a company who can deliver on time and on budget without any hassles whilst also looking to save money for all parties involved in the long run. Syntegra Consulting have the qualifications and experience needed to carry out a thorough assessment of the dwelling and their approachable nature make them a joy to work with. Find out more about Syntegra’s Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors by visiting them at www.syntegra-epc.co.uk/services-we-offer/code-for-sustainable-homes-assessment.
Syntegra Consulting Ltd
6 Warren House,
17 St Peters Avenue
Reading,
Berkshire,
RG4 7RW
Email: mail@syntegra-epc.co.uk
Tel: 0845 009 1625
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