Code for Sustainable Homes
Northern Ireland
On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed a mandatory rating against the Code will be implemented for new homes from 1 May 2008.
The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. It uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home.
The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
The Code also gives new homebuyers better information about the
environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and
offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in
sustainability terms.
Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be
assessed against the Code.
Communities and Local Government have published a Greener Homes for the
Future Leaflet
(http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/803784.pdf)
which highlights what the Code is, how it works and what it means to have a
mandatory rating for new homes.
If you require an assessment contact Anderson Mechanical Services.