The Code for Sustainable Homes

There’s been a lot of talk just lately about the Code for Sustainable Homes, so I decided to do a quick rundown of what it is and how it could be of benefit to you.

What is the Code for Sustainable Homes? The Code for Sustainable Homes is a new national standard for use in the design and construction of new homes which encourages greater sustainability. It is currently used for new homes constructed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How does it work? Homes are awarded a rating, which ranges from level 1 to level 6, based on their performance against 9 sustainability criteria:
1.    Energy and CO2 Emissions.
2.    Water.
3.    Materials.
4.    Surface Water Run-off.
5.    Waste.
6.    Pollution.
7.    Health and Well-Being.
8.    Management.
9.    Ecology.

 

Which Garador products contribute toward the code? The Garador Guardian Range of Secured by Design accredited up & over doors, and FrontGuard front entrance doors qualify for points under the Code for Sustainable Homes (see category 8: management).

How could it benefit your business? The Code for Sustainable Homes provides up to 2 points for a Secured by Design product, which might not seem like much, but could be crucial in the grand scheme of things (i.e. could help a house builder get from a code for sustainable homes level 1 to a level 2)…

How do you qualify? After the completion of construction of new home, the developer needs to provide evidence of the following to qualify for the points:
•    Confirmation from the developer that all of the recommendations provided by the ALO (Architectural Liason Officer) /CPDA (Crime Prevention Design Officer) have been incorporated in the design and that the site meets the standards required in Section 2 – Physical Security from ‘Secured by Design – New Homes’ (in the Code for Sustainable Homes).
OR,
•    The technical guidelines of the Code for Sustainable Homes states ‘Where a ‘Secured by Design’ certificate can be provided, this will be deemed to satisfy the requirements and no other evidence will be required’.

The Code for Sustainable Homes is a respected and well-established method of certifying the sustainability of your new home, and it would be great to see a new method of assessment whereby it is self-managed by the builder themselves. Check out our website to find out more about the Garador Guardian range and FrontGuard range.