About the Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code for Sustainable Homes uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code for Sustainable Homes sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a home against design categories, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package. Those familiar with building regulations, will recognise this as a major and welcome departure from current practice.

The design categories included within The Code for Sustainable Homes are:

• energy
• water
• materials
• surface water run-off
• waste
• pollution
• health and well-being
• management
• ecology

The table below shows the minimum standards, and number of points required in order to achieve each level of The Code for sustainable Homes:

(table sourced from the Communities & Local Government report ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ December 2006)

Since 1st May 2008 it has been mandatory to state the rating of a new home under the Code for Sustainable Homes. Looking forward it is anticipated that Code Level 3 will become mandatory for open market dwellings in 2010 and Code Level 4 for affordable dwellings provided with grant funding.