On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched. Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code.
The Code will become mandatory for all new homes from May 2008
The Code 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.
Here, we share with you our thoughts on important issues such as energy conservation, the use of sustainable building materials and give you some ideas on how you can work with us to make a real contribution to protecting our planet.
