The CSH
The Code for Sustainable Homes
What is the Code for Sustainable Homes?The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is a recognised standard in the UK for key elements of design and construction which contribute to the effect a new home has on the environment. The Code is part of BREEAM, which is an Assessment and Certification procedure which relates to all new build dwellings. |
What areas does the Code cover?
The CSH scheme covers nine sustainable design principles. The nine principles covered are:
1 - Energy and Carbon Dioxide Emissions;
2 - Water;
3 - Materials;
4 - Surface water run-off;
5 - Waste;
6 - Pollution;
7 - Health and well-being;
8 - Management; and
9 - Ecology.
A home can achieve a rating from one to six stars, depending on how well it has achieved Code standards. One star is the entry level and six stars is the highest level - a zero carbon home. A zero carbon home is a home that achieves zero net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from all energy use in the home over a 12 month period. There are mandatory standards contained within the Code (for energy, surface water run-off and water) and credits for each of the categories are weighted to give an overall score.
For more information on the Code for Sustainable Homes, please contact us, or download a more detailed guide.
The Code for Sustainable Homes in Wales
The Code in Wales, with effect from the 1st September 2009, requires that all planning applications for 5 or more new build dwellings will be required to achieve a minimum of Code Level 3, plus further C02 savings than current Building Regulations.
From 1st September 2010, the Code in Wales will apply to all new build dwellings. The the Code in Wales mandatory rules requires that 6 credits are achieved for ENE 1. This equates to a 31% betterment in current Part L Building Regulations requirements.
Compliance will be required before any planning application can be validated and it is therefore essential to consider the Code in Wales at the very earliest stage of the project and even before the concept stage. At CodeAssessors.net we can guide you through the process, as well as helping to appoint the design team, to ensure a successful project.
It is vital to ensure you obtain the correct advice and appoint an experienced, knowledgeable team and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor to minimise delays, costs and problems in the project. Any planning approval will be conditioned so that proof must be given, both before construction works start and upon completion of the building works, that the home has been built to the mandatory minimum standard of the Code in Wales (BREEAM Assessment and Certification). Whilst planning approval may be given, if the house cannot be built to achieve this minimum requirement, the planning approval may be unimplementable.
Summary: Mandatory Requirement for the Code for Sustainable Homes covers the whole of North Wales and South Wales (including Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham, Conwy, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerfilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan)