The Code is applicable to new build dwellings in England; it is not applicable to Wales and on refurbishment work where EcoHomes is recommended. It is the brainchild of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) who work in conjunction with a Senior Steering Group, which consists of Government, industry and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s). It has developed in concurrence with the building regulations and also in the wake of the success of the BRE’s EcoHomes scheme. The scoring system rates homes on a similar basis to its predecessor EcoHomes and has an emphasis on the same criteria of environmental change.
The Code works in conjunction with the European Commissions (EC) Energy Performance of Building’s Directive (EBPD), which from June 2007 will require all homes to provide key information about the energy efficiency of the dwelling. The calculation in the Code will use the one stipulated in the EPBD. At the moment the Code is a voluntary demand lead venture and it is not mandatory for all developers to practise the Code. However the government has put forward proposals to make the scheme mandatory for all new dwellings in the future, we await the verdict of this decision.
The Code covers the following design categories:
- Energy / CO2
- Water
- Materials
- Surface water run-off
- Waste
- Pollution
- Health and well-being
- Management
- Ecology
At the moment the Code aims to provide a mark of quality for house builders, which displays their ability to construct quality accommodation with a low carbon footprint. They can then sell the property on the following benefits:
- Reduced Environmental Impact
- Lower Running Costs
- Enhanced health and well being
- A property with materials designed to last
The Code uses the Sustainability Rating System, which awards properties with between one and six stars, six being the highest possible achievement. This assessment is carried out by accredited independent assessors trained by the BRE, who will conduct a design stage assessment and then will perform a post completion check before the certificate is awarded.
SIG Insulations is committed to protecting the environment and fully supports the standards that the Code aims to achieve which, could change the way we construct every dwelling in the future. It is a responsible approach to construction, helping us to protect the environment in a previously unprecedented manor. As part of this commitment we can help you with understanding the Code for Sustainable Development and help you to help protect environment.
Please contact us if you require any further information, or if you require an assessment. |
