Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes (sometimes referred to as C4SH) provides a performance rating against various criteria and has been designed to enable a step-change in sustainable building practice for new homes.
If a property attains Code Level 1, this means that performance is above that required as minimum by the Building Regulations. The maximum level is Code Level 6 and this includes a requirement for the home to be "zero carbon", i.e. having zero net emissions of carbon throughout the year - so any imported power must be replaced by exporting power generated from domestic renewables at another time.
The design categories included within the Code are:
- Energy/CO2
- Water
- Minerals
- Surface water run-off
- Waste
- Pollution
- Health and well being
- Management
- Ecology
The Code introduces minimum standards for energy and water efficiency for every level. There are minimum standards for materials, surface water run-off and waste at entry level only. Additional points can still be gained by performance in other areas. The Code is closely linked to Building Regulations, which are the minimum standards required by law. The Code is intended to show the future direction of Building Regulations and provide greater regulatory certainty for the home building industry.
We are licensed and accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessors.
Use the skills and expertise of an architect and ensure your extension, conversion or new build project runs smoothly from start to finish.
