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Greener homes for the future
Greener homes for the future
The foundation for a more environmentally friendly future for housing was laid by the Department for Communities and Local Government with the launch of the Code for Sustainable Homes (The Code). The Code is the national standard for the design and construction of sustainable new homes. Code homes are built using materials from sustainable sources and are more energy and water efficient.
Why we need the Code
Our homes account for around 27% of the UK’s carbon emissions. The Code minimises the environmental damage from the construction process and offers an opportunity to revolutionise the design of new homes so that the housing market encourages people to live more sustainable lifestyles.
For housing industry members, adopting the Code is an important step towards our target that all new homes built from 2016 must be zero carbon rated.
Designing in sustainability
The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The star rating achieved depends on how the home measures up in 9 categories:
• Energy and CO2 Emissions • Water • Materials
• Surface water runoff
• Waste
• Pollution • Health and wellbeing
• Management
• Ecology
The results of the assessment will be recorded on a certificate by a licensed and accredited Code assessor.
Mandatory ratings
From April 2008, all new social housing must be built to a minimum of Code level 3. The Code is voluntary for privately built housing.
Since May 1st 2008, all new homes are required to have a Code rating for the Home Information Pack (HIP). This means homes built to, and assessed against the Code must include the Code certificate within the HIP. Homes not assessed against the Code must include a nil-rated certificate of non-assessment in the HIP. To download a free nil-rated certificate visit www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk
For more information on the Code, including how to get hold of a licensed Code assessor and the Code technical guidance, go to www.communities.gov.uk/thecode
If you are building your homes to Code levels you may be able to use the Code trademark, shown here. Please contact logo@communities.gsi.gov.uk for more information.