Code for Sustainable Homes

From May 1, 2008 it became mandatory for all new homes to have a Code rating. The Code  was introduced as a nationally recognised sustainability standard for new homes, and to indicate the direction of future changes to regulations. The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against 9 categories of sustainable design, including minimum standards for energy and water use. The rating ranges from level 1 (lowest performing) to level 6 (highest performing, zero carbon development).

The Code includes credits for installing renewable or low carbon energy technologies on site which reduce the building’s predicted CO₂ emissions by over 10% or 15%. A significantly higher contribution from on-site energy generation would be required to achieve Code Levels 5 and 6.

www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314116927.html