The Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code is a national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes. It was published in November 2006 to provide valuable information to home buyers, and offers builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.

It measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 level rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home.

The Code sets minimum standards for energy and CO2 emissions, water, materials, surface water run off, waste, pollution, health and well-being, management and ecology at each level.

To find out more visit:

• http://www.communities.gov.uk/thecode
• www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/code_for_sust_homes.pdf