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'Stronger' Sustainable Homes Code Announced

Posted: 10/03/2006

The Government has announced that it will strengthen the Code for Sustainable Homes. In the light of the consultation which closed on March 6th the Government will be introducing a series of revisions to the Code as well as undertaking further research into future improvements.

The Government has decided to set minimum standards of energy and water efficiency for every level of the Code, rather than allowing builders to trade different kinds of improvements against each other. The lowest levels of the Code will also be raised above the level of the new building regulations, which will come into effect on 6 April. It is claimed that the new regs will raise the energy efficiency of new buildings by 40 per cent compared to those built to 2002 standards. They will improve compliance by introducing air pressure testing for new buildings.

In addition energy efficiency ratings - which form one component of the Code - will be made mandatory for new homes and existing homes. The ratings will be included in energy performance certificates set out to EU standards. All new homes and those sold or let will have a energy efficiency assessment providing a comparable Code rating.

In order to further promote on-site energy generation, new homes that use micro-renewable technology such as wind turbines and solar panels will also gain extra points in the Code.

The revised code will form the basis for the next wave of improvements to building regulations.

In addition the Government will be doing further analysis of other issues raised in the consultation including proposals for further ways to increase the take-up of the Code, such as incentives in the planning system and for new developments, and the possibility of mandatory assessments against other Code requirements.

These improvements will be developed over the coming months. As an interim measure all homes with English Partnerships or Housing Corporation funding will meet the new EcoHomes Very Good 2006 standard from 1 April, which is broadly equivalent to the Code level three. The Government say that Ecohomes will be merged with the Code later this year.

Environmentalists remain sceptical, however. Friend's of the Earth's spokesman, Hugh Ellis, believes that the new Code is unlikely to have a significant impact in tackling climate change. As it is still a voluntary code most builders are likely to ignore it. He also pointed out that it does not apply to new commercial buildings.

Ellis said "Despite some welcome improvements the Code for Sustainable Homes is still far too weak. If the Government is serious about cutting carbon dioxide emissions from new homes the code must be mandatory. As it stands, most building firms are likely to ignore it. Climate change is the biggest threat the planet faces. When will the Government stop tinkering at the margins and take tough action to tackle climate change?"

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