The Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) is an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes. It is a national standard for use in the design and construction of new homes with a view to encouraging continuous improvement in sustainable home building. The Code is based on EcoHomes (Yates et al, 2004).

It was launched in December 2006 with the publication of Code for Sustainable Homes: A step-change in sustainable home building practice (Communities and Local Government, 2006). The Code became operational in April 2007 in England, and having a Code rating for new build homes mandatory, from 1st May 2008.

From May 2008 homes that are not assessed will have a nil-rated certificate which is produced by the seller of property. Examples of both a Code certificate and a nil rated certificate showing that a home had not been assessed against the Code can be found at Annexes C and D. A nil-rated certificate can be downloaded from the HIP and BRE websites:

The implementation of the Code is managed by BRE Global (formerly BRE Certifi cation Ltd) under contract to the Department for Communities and Local Government under arrangements based on the EcoHomes operating systems. BRE Global is the main license holder.

The total number of credits available to a Category is the sum of credits available for all the issues within it.

Mandatory minimum performance standards are set for some issues. For four of these, a single mandatory requirement is set which must be met, whatever Code level is sought. Credits are not awarded for these issues. Confirmation that the performance requirements are met for all four is a minimum entry requirement for achieving a level 1 rating.

At the time of publishing Stroma Ltd is the only other organisation licensed to provide all Code services although several others are in discussions with BRE Global.

The Sustainable Homes is a voluntary standard designed to improve the overall sustainability of new homes by setting a single framework for Sustainable Development.

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