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Code for Sustainable Homes An overview from: Background The Code for Sustainable Homes is the chosen rating system for sustainability of new dwellings. It was developed by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) working in conjunction with the Government to succeed the earlier Eco-Homes Scheme. It assesses the sustainability of a dwelling on a range of issues with the intention of reducing the carbon and environmental impact of new housing. Whilst it does not yet replace the requirements of part L of Building Regulations it exceeds those provisions even at the lowest rating. It is expected to become a yardstick by which end users will recognise advantages. There can be no doubt that market advantage can be demonstrated with a good Code rating. The Aim The fundamental driver of the Code is to contribute to the reduction in carbon emissions in UK whether by direct consumption of heating fuels or indirect wastage of resources or pollution in the construction process or the manufacture of materials. Furthermore it addresses the contributions made by housing development to the pressures on preserving ecological features, waste management, water consumption and water run off in what appear to be challenging climatic conditions. Lastly, but not least, the Code provides for a more measured approach to the suitability of housing for the end user. It attempts to encourage considerate design elements to provide versatility of the use of a dwelling as well as contribute to a good quality of life for the occupants. Implementation Across the UK the Code has to date largely been a voluntary scheme whereby those wishing to exceed minimum requirements have been able to do so in a way that is officially recognised. In England, but not Wales, for over a year it has been a requirement for every new dwelling to have a Code rating included in the Home Information Pack. This has meant that many developers have opted to have a nil rating certificate and do no more than is required by Building Regulations in respect of these issues. The aspiration for all new dwellings to be carbon neutral within the next few years will be an awesome challenge to the industry but will be less likely to be achieved unless step changes are introduced. It is for this reason that in both England and Wales the mandatory use of the Code is being introduced to help deliver on these goals. In Wales, with effect from September 2009, the granting of planning permission for developments of 5 or more dwellings will be conditional upon attaining a Level 3 Code assessment with enhanced restrictions on carbon emissions. The same conditions will apply to all dwellings 12 months later. Similar provisions are expected to be announced for developments of all sizes in England to become effective in 2010. Opportunity or Threat? To many these provisions are seen as a hindrance to development in particularly challenging market conditions. To others they are seen as a way of contributing to the quality of the built environment and being able to demonstrate that to the end user. There are many examples of manufactured products now being promoted in different ways than before due to the awareness of the market to green issues and the advantages that follow. The Challenge To achieve the Code ratings to the required level and beyond, the industry faces a significant challenge. It will directly affect developers, builders, architects, quantity surveyors, materials suppliers and component manufacturers. Familiarisation with the Code and its aims will need to be grasped and a fresh way of approaching design and construction adopted. To embrace the Code at an early stage is encouraged, even seen by some as essential, and will undoubtedly make its adoption easier. It is critical that the issues addressed by the code are incorporated in the design at an early stage. To attempt to comply with the Code at later stages of development will be more expensive to achieve and in some cases will prove impossible. Delivering The Code To achieve a Code rating requires assessment by a Code Assessor, an individual who is appointed to monitor the issues, collect data and demonstrate compliance. A Code Assessor will have been specially trained in the details of the Code and licensed by one of the approved accreditation bodies. The role of an assessor is not prescribed and can be varied to suit the needs of both parties and the cost of assessment can vary accordingly. Ideally an assessor should be part of the design team from an early stage as the implications of intended code rating need to be addressed from the inception of a project. As the project proceeds a close working relationship with all parties will ease the process significantly. There are two principal stages in the assessment procedure, Design and Post Construction and certificates to demonstrate the level designed or achieved are issued by the assessor. This is the only way to demonstrate achievement of a Code rating In Wales, the Assembly Government, as per the Draft Technical Advice Note 22 expect developers to be able to demonstrate at planning application stage that measures to comply have been incorporated in the proposals. A pre-assessment statement provided by a Code Assessor can be incorporated into the Design and Access Statement to accompany the application which will achieve this. Thereafter as the project proceeds the involvement of the assessor will need to be integrated into the team to ensure a smooth delivery of the required Code Rating.
Energy Check Ltd Can Help Energy Check Ltd. is a well establish consultancy specialising in Energy Assessments and Code Assessment. They deal only in residential projects and therefore have a deeper understanding of housing issues. Services include: SAP Assessment Contact Details
To make contact with Energy Check Ltd. e-Mail info@code-assessors.org.uk Phone 01495 791406 Fax 01495 791406 Post: Energy Check Ltd.
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