Code For Sustainable Homes

There is now a large body of scientific data and evidence that climate change is causing serious problems for the natural world on our planet. Reduction of carbon emissions is urgently required across the globe to help reduce their environmental impact. In the UK in 2004 more than a quarter of carbon emissions were directly attributable to the energy required to heat, light and run our homes. It is vital that we ensure that homes and commercial developments are built in a way that minimises the use of energy and reduces harmful emissions.

The actual use of our homes also has a diverse range of other environmental impacts for example water use, waste, and energy consumption within the home. It will be necessary to install low energy consumption electrical goods and find ways to minimise water use with efficient appliances and white goods. The use of renewable technologies including solar panels, hot water heat stores and heat pumps will be required for heating and hot water requirements. Rain water harvesting systems will need to be installed to reduce the amount of water being used within the home.

The code for sustainable homes was introduced to drive a step change policy in sustainable home building practice in the UK. It will be used by building architects and property developers as a guide to creating homes and commercial buildings to a national standard and by individuals to assist them in buying a home or property that meets sustainable standards.

The code forms the basis of regulatory building control in the future in regard to carbon emissions within the construction industry. The government has stated that it would like all homes built to be zero carbon by 2016.

The code has been developed by the government working closely in consultation with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA). The code will complement the system of energy performance certificates which will require all homes, when they are sold or leased, to have an energy performance certificate.

For a full version of the Sustainable Building code please go to Communities as Local Government Website