Existing assessment tools

From March 2015, the Code for Sustainable Homes has been withdrawn by the government. Transitional rules are, however, in place for schemes that have planning permission with an obligation to comply with the Code.

The Code has in effect been replaced, in part, by new national Technical Housing Standards, also announced March 2015. These standards include optional building regulations that can be applied by local authorities for water efficiency, but can only be applied:

• where there is a local plan policy based on evidenced local need; and
• where the viability of development is not compromised.

The BRE subsequently launched a new voluntary sustainability standard known as the ‘Home Quality Mark’, with full details of the scheme set to be announced later in 2015.

The Code for Sustainable Homes came into force as a voluntary Code in April 2007, replacing the EcoHomes rating. The Code set out national standards for house construction and grades houses with a star rating from 1 to 6 on 9 issues, such as energy and water efficiency and the use of sustainable materials: some are mandatory, some have minimum standards, whilst others apply only for those looking to achieve the highest rating:

• water; energy and CO2 emissions; (mandatory)
• materials; surface water run-off; waste; (minimum standards only for entry to the Code)
• pollution; health and well-being; management; ecology (not mandatory).

A house meeting the 2014 Building Regulations will comply with level 3 for energy. A 6 star rating will mean that the building is zero carbon.