Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) is an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes, based on a grade of 1 to 6, with 6 being the best. It was launched in December 2006 and became operational in April 2007.

It is not a Building Regulations requirement in England, although confirmation of a zero rating is needed where an assessment has not been carried out. Achieving a certain Code standard is normally demanded on Housing Association developments and in England it is an increasing requirement of local authority planning departments. The Welsh Assembly have instigated certain Code standards for developments now under their control.

Thermal Solutions can provide guidance on how to comply with your particular required Code level. The process is split into three stages - Starting at the pre-assessment stage, then the Design Stage and ending with the Post Completion Stage.

The Code for Sustainable Homes itself covers nine categories of sustainable design: