Description
The code works by awarding new homes a rating from Level 1 to Level 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability criteria which are combined to assess the overall environmental impact. Level 1 is entry level above building regulations, and Level six is the highest, reflecting exemplary developments in terms of sustainability.
The sustainability criteria by which new homes are measured are:
- Energy and CO2 Emissions – Operational Energy and resulting emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere (different minimum standards that must be met at each level of the Code)
- Water – Internal and external water saving measures specified (minimum standards that must be met at each level of the Code).
- Materials – The sourcing and environmental impact of materials used to build the home (minimum standards present).
- Surface Water Run-off – Management of surface water run-off from the development and flood risk (minimum standards present).
- Waste – Storage for recyclable waste and compost, and care taken to reduce, reuse and recycle construction materials (minimum standards present).
- Pollution – The use of insulation materials and heating systems that do not add to global warming.
- Health and Well-Being – Provision of good daylight quality, sound insulation, private space, accessibility, and adaptability(minimum standards present for Code Level 6 only).
- Management – A Home User Guide, designing in security, and reducing the impact of construction.
- Ecology – Protection and enhancement of the ecology of the area and efficient use of building land.
Read more about this topic: Code For Sustainable Homes
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