Code for Sustainable Homes

11th May 2010Planning and Regeneration

Code for Sustainable Homes

Introduction to the Seminar

Ruth Bamford Head of Planning and Regeneration

A Brief Introduction to the Code

Matthew Weatherill Building Control Surveyor

The Code – What is it?

• Assessment of the environmental and social sustainability of new homes.

• National standard covering 9 key areas:

• Energy and CO2 emissions (36%)• Water use (9%)• Materials (7%)• Surface water run-off (2%)• Waste (6%)• Pollution (3%)• Health and well being (14%)• Management (10%)• Ecology (12%)

The Code – How is it Monitored?

• Administered (enforced) through the planning (development control) process.

• Certificates are required in HIPs• Produced By an Independently Accredited

Code Assessor (Accredited By BREEAM or STROMA)

• Paid for by the applicant/developer• Design Stage assessment• Post Construction Review including site visit

and evidence gathering

The Code – Typical design Features

Energy• High levels of insulation• Low air permeability• Low carbon heat sources

such as ground/air source heat pumps and wood pellet boilers

• Designs that reduce solar overheating

• MVHR• Solar water heating• Photovoltaic cells• Energy saving appliances• Home office provision

The Code – Typical design Features

Water Use• Rainwater harvesting• Greywater re-cycling• Water saving WC’s,

washbasins, washing machines, dishwashers, showers, smaller baths!

Materials• A-rated from BRE’s

green guide• Responsibly sourced• Re-cycled

The Code – Typical design Features

Surface water run-off• Rainwater harvesting• Attenuation systems• Soakaways (where

feasible)• SUDS

Waste• Space for recycling

facilities• Composting facilities• Construction site waste

management planPollution

• Avoiding GWP products • Reducing of NOx from

heating

The Code – Typical design Features

Health and Wellbeing• Good natural lighting• Sound insulation• Private space• Accessibility and

adaptability (lifetime homes)

Management• Guidance for occupants• Security

Ecology• Impact on bio-diversity• Improving ecology of

site where possible

The Code - Levels

Level 0 – • Nil Rated Certificate for HIPs • Mandatory April 2008• Energy and CO2 as Building Regulations

part L 2006 standards Level 1 – • Energy and CO2 10% improvement over

Building Regulations• Water usage equal to part G 2010 standardsLevel 2 – • Energy and CO2 18% improvement over

Building Regulations

The Code - Levels

Level 3 – • Likely to be mandatory

October 2010• Many planning

departments already asking for this level including Redditch BC

• Energy and CO2 25% improvement over 2006 Building Regulations; equal to 2010 part L standard?

• Water usage 12% less than part G 2010 standards

The Code - Levels

Level 4 - • Likely to be mandatory 2013 • Energy and CO2 44% improvement over

2006 Building RegulationsLevel 5 -• Energy and CO2 100% improvement over

2006 Building RegulationsLevel 6 –• Likely to be mandatory 2016• “Zero Carbon” • 33% improvement in water efficiency

The Code – where to find more information

www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/buildingregs/sustainablehomes

www.stroma.com

www.breeam.org

www.communities.gov.uk/thecode

www.bre.co.uk/greenguide 

The Code

Any Questions?