The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
The code also gives new homebuyers better information about the environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.
The Code for Sustainable Homes was launched as part of a package of measures towards zero carbon development, including an overarching consultation: Building A Greener Future on the shift to zero carbon; and a consultation on the draft of a new Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change.
Communities and Local Government (then ODPM) carried out a public consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes between 4 December 2005 and 6 March 2006. The consultation document, summary of responses to the consultation and the Regulatory Impact Assessment can be viewed on the Communities and Local Government website.www.planningportal.gov.uk