Code for Sustainable Homes

Introduction
SPP are accredited “Code For Sustainable Homes” assessors and are able to assist the developer, builder, Housing Association or Local Authority with both the Design Stage and Post Construction Stage Assessments that are now mandatory for many developments and soon to be mandatory for all home construction.

What is the 'Code for Sustainable Homes'?
The Code for Sustainable Homes has been developed to enable an improvement in house building practice and is a sustainability impact rating system for housing. It sets new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability which, while not mandatory under current building regulations, represent important developments towards limiting the environmental impact of housing. The Code is intended as a single national standard to guide industry in the design and construction of sustainable homes.

The Code has been prepared by the Government in close working consultation with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), and through consultation with a Senior Steering Group consisting of Government, industry and NGO representatives. It is a means of driving continuous improvement, greater innovation and exemplary achievement in sustainable home building.

What are the 'Code' requirements?
The Code measures the sustainability of a home against nine design categories, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package. The design categories are:

- Energy. Energy efficiency and CO2 saving measures.

- Water. Internal and external water saving measures.

- Materials. The sourcing and environmental impact of materials used to build the home.

- Surface Water Run- off. Measures to reduce the risk of flooding and surface water run-off, which can pollute rivers.

- Waste. Storage for recyclable waste and compost and care taken to reduce, reuse and recycle construction materials.

- Pollution. The use of insulation materials and heating systems that do not add to global warming.

- Health and Wellbeing. Provision of good daylight quality, sound insulation, private space, accessibility and adaptability.

- Management. A Home User Guide, designing in security and reducing the impact of construction.

- Ecology. Protection and enhancement of the ecology of the area and efficient use of building land.

The categories can be assessed against a performance target and awarded one or more credits. Performance targets represent good or best practice, are technically feasible, and can be delivered by the building industry.

Who needs to comply with the code?
In England all newly constructed homes require a certificate however a nil rated certificate is currently acceptable as the Code is not yet mandatory.

In Wales all homes promoted or supported by the Welsh Assembly Government require a level 3 certificate and also all sites of 5 or more properties. From 1st September 2010 all new homes will require a level 3 certificate.

Why SPP?
With our core discipline of Cost Consultancy our assessors are ideally placed to understand the need to provide cost effective construction advice on materials and installations thereby obtaining your Code Certificate as economically as possible. Our assessors will attend project meetings to ensure that best value is achieved.

We understand the importance of providing the Code certificates on time. They are provided at design stage and at Completion thus allowing early design decisions and prompt funding / retention release on completion and Handover.