Planning, building and the environment

Code for Sustainable Homes

Code for Sustainable Homes logo The Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. The Code aims to reduce our carbon emissions and create homes that are more sustainable. It applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Code is not a set of regulations. The Code goes further than the current building regulations, but is entirely voluntary, and is intended to help promote even higher standards of sustainable design. The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. It covers energy/CO 2 , water, materials, surface water runoff (flooding and flood prevention), waste, pollution, health and well-being, management and ecology.

The Code uses a one to six star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home against these nine categories. 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).

The Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide sets out the requirements of the latest version of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the process by which a Code assessment is reached.

Code for Sustainable Homes: Technical Guidance - frequently asked questions (Excel 423KB) - This document provides frequently asked questions for the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guidance manual. To aid clarity, it follows the format of the Technical Guidance and is split into separate sections. The FAQs have been compiled by the Building Research Establishment, and will be reviewed quarterly.

Code for Sustainable Homes: Latest Official Statistics - Latest official statistics on the Code for Sustainable Homes and Average Energy Efficiency (SAP ratings) of new homes; and archived official statistics since first quarter 2010.

Cost of Building to the Code for Sustainable Homes - updated cost review - sets out the changing costs of Code levels in comparison with previous years and on the basis of market information.