Sustainable homes

What is the Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code)?

The Code offers detailed information on the sustainability performance of new homes.

The Code will allow buyers to make an informed choice using environmental criteria. They will be able to reduce their own 'footprint' and the Code will encourage the industry as a whole to build more sustainable homes.

What does the Code mean?

The Code has been developed using the Building Research Establishment's (BRE) EcoHomes system and is a standard for key elements of design and construction in every new home.

It will:

  • become a single national standard
  • guide designers and builders in their build
  • stimulate continuous improvement, greater innovation and exemplary performance in sustainability
  • signal the future direction of Building Regulations in terms of home energy usage

The Code introduces minimum standards for energy and water efficiency and awards points for new areas of sustainability design.

Sustainability is measured against design categories, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package.

The nine categories considered are:

  • Energy and CO2
  • Water
  • Materials
  • Surface Water Run-off
  • Waste
  • Pollution
  • Health and Well-Being
  • Management
  • Ecology

Points are awarded for (example):

Energy and CO2

  • the conservation of fuel and power in the home
  • space provided for drying clothes
  • energy labelled white goods
  • energy efficient fittings used for internal and external lighting
  • low or zero carbon energy technologies
  • cycle storage
  • home office space

Water

  • internal portable water consumption
  • external systems designed to collect rain water such as a water butt

Materials

  • materials which minimise environmental impact
  • the responsible sourcing of basic and finishing elements

Surface Water Run-off

  • homes designed to reduce surface water run-off
  • those in areas with a lower probability of flooding

Waste

  • the provision of household recycling and home composting facilities
  • where construction site waste is minimised

Pollution

  • the use of insulating materials to combat substances that contribute to global warming
  • the reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from heating and hot water systems

Health and Well-Being

  • where homes are designed to make the most of natural daylight
  • where high standards of sound insulation are implemented
  • provision is made for private outside space
  • access to the house and its future adaptability

Management

  • where a home user guide is supplied to the occupant or tenant detailing information about the environmental performance of their home
  • where a commitment is made by the constructor to comply with best practice procedures
  • ensuring a home is made as physically secure as possible

Ecology

  • where the land used for building is of low ecological value
  • existing ecological features are maintained, protected or enhanced
  • where the use of space inside (building footprint) is maximised

A sustainability rating indicated by stars communicates the overall performance of a home:

 1* Above regulatory standards and of a similar standard to BRE's EcoHomes Pass level and the EST's Good Practice Standard for energy.
 2** A similar standard to EcoHomes 'Good' level - awarded if a developer has been able to demonstrate good practice.
 3*** Broadly similar standard to BRE EcoHomes 'Very Good' level.
 4**** Developers that demonstrate exemplary environmental performance, with particularly high standards of energy and water efficiency.
 5***** Developers that demonstrate exemplary environmental performance, with particularly high standards of energy and water efficiency.
 6****** Aspirational standard based on zero carbon emissions for the dwelling and high performance across all environmental categories.

Apart from the minimum standards for energy and water efficiency, the Code is completely flexible.  Developers can choose which and how many standards they implement to obtain points under the Code.

The Code also affords benefits to social housing providers:

Lower running costs

  • the Code's standards encourage greater energy and water efficiency, helping to reduce fuel poverty

Improved comfort and satisfaction

  • tenants will feel happier and more comfortable in their homes, thus reducing complaints and saving costs

Raising sustainability standards

  • housing providers will be able to show tangible sustainability achievements to the public, tenants and funding bodies

A more detailed explanation of the sustainability ratings can be found within the official Code for Sustainable Homes document, downloadable from www.communities.gov.uk/thecode


High energy efficiency heating systems from Baxi

The choice of heating system will have a tremendous impact on a building's rating. And thanks to years of investment in new technologies, Baxi has the perfect range to ensure that new homes can achieve an excellent rating.


High Efficiency (HE) boilers

Baxi's high efficiency boiler range, including the Platinum and Duo-tec models, is one of the most energy efficient available, carrying a SEDBUK Band A rating. The Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE was recently rated the top combi boiler from 34 tested by 'Which?' magazine, achieving a 'Best Buy' award.


Renewable energy systems

Baxi has a comprehensive range of ready to install renewable energy heating systems - using solar energy, thermal energy from the ground, naturally-based biomass fuels, as well as systems that provide both heat and power.

Baxi Solo

Baxi Solo

With its clean contemporary styling that fits effortlessly with any modern interior, The Baxi Solo HE is the natural choice.

Baxi solo HE details

Which? Award

Which? Award

Which? rates the Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE as a Best Buy

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