Saturday, January 15, 2011

Introduction to the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)

By Paul Myers


Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and there is an associated increase in public awareness. There is generally less awareness of the contribution that good building design can make to reducing pollution and improving the environment.

The Welsh Assembly have adopted the code for all their new and promoted social housing projects. The government has specified that the London Olympic Village, for the 2012 Olympics, should be built to Code level 4 requirements and that any Eco Towns built should achieve a Code level 5 or 6.

The code uses nine different design categories to rate the home as a 'whole' unit by reviewing its sustainability performance within each of the key design categories. Ratings are given to each category using a one to six star scale system.

Since 1st May 2008 it has been a mandatory requirement to rate all new homes against the code. This however does not mean that new homes have to be built to the code, instead they have to be rated against the code and a certificate made available within the Home Information Pack (HIP) as evidence to potential buyers of the homes sustainability credentials.

Building sustainable homes requires us to minimise all sorts of environmental impacts in addition to carbon dioxide emissions, such as water use, waste generated, and materials for building.

The Code complements the system of Energy Performance Certificates for new homes, which will be introduced in April 2008 under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The Code measures the sustainability of a home against nine design categories, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. Each category includes a number of environmental issues which have a potential impact on the environment.

The Government's ambition for the Code is that it becomes the single national standard for the design and construction of sustainable homes, and that it drives improvements in home building practice. This technical guidance sets out the requirements for the Code, and the process for achieving a Code assessment. It aims to make gaining a Code assessment as simple, transparent and rigorous as possible, inspiring confidence in Code assessors, home builders, product manufacturers and consumers.




About the Author:



No comments: