RLB_UK_Riders_Digest_2013

UK CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION
Code for Sustainable Homes
What is the Code?
The Department for Communities and Local Government
launched the Code for Sustainable Homes in April 2007.
It has been developed to enable a step change in
sustainable building practice for new homes. Homes built
under the scheme are built to standards set in the Code,
creating dwellings that are more energy and water efficient,
produce fewer carbon emissions and cost less to run.
It has been prepared in close consultation with the Building
Research Establishment’s (BRE) Eco Homes System,
which has already achieved success in reducing the
environmental impact of affordable housing projects, in
particular within the social housing sector.
How Does the Code Work?
The Code assesses the sustainability of a home by
awarding points in the following nine design categories:
1. Energy usage and CO2
Emissions (reducing
energy use and CO2
emissions through building
construction, design and
facility provision within the
home)
2. Water (reducing potable
water usage internally and
externally)
3. Materials (responsible
sourcing and
environmental impact of
construction materials)
4. Surface water run-off
(management of surface
water run off and flood
risk)
5. Waste (handling of both
household generated
waste and construction
waste)
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6. Pollution (reduction in
NO2 emissions and use of
Global Warming Potential
(GWP) insulation)
7. Health and well-being
(providing a better internal
and external environment
for the home owner and
the incorporation of the
principles of Lifetime Homes)
8. Management (Provision
of a suitable home user
guide, reducing the
environmental impact of
construction activities
and compliance with a
Considerate Constructor
type scheme. Secured by
Design is also included)
9. Ecology (protection
or enhancement of the
existing site ecology and
efficient use of the land)