CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES

“The Code” is a method of evaluating a new-build housing development scheme (of any size) against a set of standards for environmental sustainability. Both the design and the construction process are evaluated. It has a wide scope, covering energy, water conservation, construction waste, security, recycling facilities, sourcing and choice of materials, flood risk, ecological protection and many other issues. The sustainability of the development is evaluated against standards laid out in the Code. The result is a Level from 1 to 6. Typically Level 3 or Level 4 is currently required for self-build projects. CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE A Code Certificate of Compliance is required in more and more planning permissions for dwellings. PRE-ASSESSMENT Before granting planning permission, some planning authorities require a “pre-assessment”, which confirms that the required Code Level is feasible and outlines how it may be achieved. From the self-builder’s perspective, a useful output of this stage is a schedule of the design features to be included and the construction practices to be adopted. Eco-Rating produces this document after full discussion with the client and/or designer. INTERIM CERTIFICATE With the plan in place, the next stage is to collect the evidence. Drawings and specifications will be needed, and possibly copies of correspondence, web pages and other such documentation. Having received all the evidence the assessor will lodge the assessment with the Code Service Provider (CSP). After checking the information, the CSP issues an “Interim Certificate” giving the Code Level achieved at design stage. It is often one of the conditions on the planning permission that this Interim Certificate is obtained before construction can begin. Eco-Rating recognises that self-builders may not be familiar with Code certification, and one of my special contributions in self-build projects is to work closely with the key players through these processes. FINAL CERTIFICATE During construction, documentation will be collected as evidence that the agreed Code features and construction practices are being implemented. At least one site visit will be conducted. If there are changes (as sometimes occur), these will be evaluated and a partial re-assessment will take place. The assessor lodges the post-construction stage assessment with the CSP, who will issue the Final Certificate. FURTHER INFORMATION More information can be found here. If you have any questions, would like to know how we could help you, or would like a quotation, please get in touch – details on the Contacts page.

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