New Homes

Within the housing sector the CO² reduction is encouraging, but in order to make a truly significant difference – the UK is legally committing to reduce its CO² emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 – tougher measures are being implemented on a larger scale. To begin with all new homes in Britain will have to be zero carbon by 2016.

Code for Sustainable Homes

Zero carbon is defined in the Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) to be: “where net carbon emissions resulting from all energy used in the dwelling is zero. This includes the energy consumed in the operation of the space heating/cooling and hot-water systems, ventilation, all internal lighting, cooking and all electrical appliances.” The Code has six levels – with six being zero carbon.

To date, in the UK, no housebuilder is achieving higher than level five – although by 2016 it is anticipated most will reach level six. Presently, the Government has introduced a mandatory rating against the Code for all new homes, from 1st May 2008. Effectively, this means every new build property will be assessed and a rating – be it 0 or 6 and all numbers in between – will be awarded and made visible for all to see via a certificate.

Prior to the launch of the Code in April 2007, housebuilders could choose to have their properties rated under the EcoHomes system, administered by BREEAM, the environmental assessment arm of the BRE. EcoHomes has four assessment levels: pass, good, very good, and excellent. For the timebeing, until the Code assessments begin to filter through, you will see EcoHomes ratings displayed at many developments. In England EcoHomes is gradually being phased out, but will continue to be used within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as is currently the case and for all refurbishment developments within the UK.