Four developers have striven to build
new homes that meet some of the tough
targets of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Carina Bailey looks at valuable lessons learned
Feeling at home
S
ince May 2008 it became mandatory for all be built to high code levels – including detached and
new homes to have a rating against the Code terraced homes, fl ats and live-work units.
for Sustainable Homes (CSH). It changed The building projects started about 18 months
the emphasis of building sustainably in the ago, and represent some of the fi rst code-compliant
domestic sector from an ambition to a more defi ned homes to be built. The GHA was approached because
commercial and environmental target. its members were the most likely source of projects
The code, which ranges from level one at the lowest completed to code level 3 and above.
end to level six at the highest, requires domestic In order for a developer to be a member of the
properties to meet energy effi ciency targets across a GHA, it has to commit to building at least 50 per cent
number of design categories. But the code, introduced of its new homes to the GHA Standard of C0de 3++
in 2007, is so new it is relatively untested in the new- (which is level 3 of the CSH), and to achieve tighter
build housing market. CO2 emission standards of at least 70 per cent less
However, an early assessment of four new-build carbon dioxide compared with the UK average for that
projects, three of which were built to level 5 of the building type in 2003.
code, offers some useful lessons for future developers. The developer must also monitor and assess the
The Old Apple Store in
Stawell, Somerset, UK,
The fi ndings, prepared by the Good Homes Alliance buildings after occupation.
achieved code level 5
(GHA) for the Department for Communities and Local The GHA is currently looking to obtain funding
(see page 29) Government, show that different types of housing can to help its members carry out monitoring and post-
26 CIBSE Journal August 2009
www.cibsejournal.com
CIBSEaug09 pp26-31 Homes.indd 26 24/7/09 13:08:28
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