British Eco Energy can advise build and architects on how to meet new Government codes for Eco or Sustainable Homes. Call 01753 725 713 or 07738 532123 fro more information or email info@britisheco.com

In April 2007 the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced Ecohomes for the assessment of new housing in England. The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon BRE’s Ecohomes and contains mandatory performance levels in 6 key areas.

The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind.

BRE and CLG have worked closely together to ensure that the Code meets the latest regulatory requirements and addresses issues that emerged from an earlier industry wide consultation.

The Scope of the Code
Many house builders who currently use Ecohomes will find the credit system of the Code familiar. Users will notice that there are new mandatory minimum levels of performance that have been introduced across 6 key issues:

Energy efficiency /CO2
Water efficiency
Surface water management
Site Waste Management
Household Waste Management
Use of Materials

The Code Scoring System
The Code has a scoring system of six levels. The different levels are made up by achieving both the appropriate mandatory minimum standards together with a proportion of the ‘flexible’ standards. Code Level 3 is approximately equal to the Ecohomes VERY GOOD score.

Further information regarding the Code including a copy of A step-change in sustainable home building practice can be downloaded from the CLG website.

Compliance with the Code
Code assessments are carried out in two phases:

An initial assessment and interim certification is carried out at the design stage
Final assessment and certification is carried out after construction see below:
Design Stage Review
Based on design drawings, specifications and commitments
Results in interim certificate of compliance

Post Construction Review
Based on the design stage review
Confirmation of compliance including site records and visual inspection.

Ecohomes is a version of BREEAM for homes. It provides an authoritative rating for new, converted or renovated homes, and covers houses, flats and apartments.

Ecohomes balances environmental performance with the need for a high quality of life and a safe and healthy internal environment. Many of the issues are optional, ensuring Ecohomes is flexible enough to be tailored to a particular development or market.

Ecohomes Assessments can be carried out at both the design stage or post construction for:
1) New build
2) Major refurbishment projects