On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched.

By integrating elements of this voluntary Code into new homes and obtaining assessments against the Code, developers are able to obtain a 'star rating' (from zero to 6* - a zero carbon home) for any new home which will demonstrate its environmental performance. 

It provides valuable information to home buyers, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.

Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code.

On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed mandatory rating against the Code will be implemented for new homes from 1 May 2008.

The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

Certified wood can help achieve higher star rating levels in the Code.

The Code also gives new homebuyers better information about the environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.

Communities and Local Government produced further guidance: The Code for Sustainable Homes: Setting the Sustainability Standards for New Home which sets out the assessment process and the performance standards required for the Code.

Click here for details of the code.

A wood for good Briefing Note on the Code for Sustainable Homes is available from our ‘publications’ page