Overview

SBS has partnered with Compliance to offer Code for Sustainable Homes assessment to customers.

What is the CSH?

• Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is an environmental assessment system for rating new build dwellings.

• Code ratings range from Level 1 to Level 6. Mandatory minimum requirements are set for some issues and points are awarded for credits in nine categories (such as Energy, Water and Waste). Minimum performance standards in Energy and Water are set for each level.

When is the CSH needed?

• The Code for Sustainable Homes assessment is mandatory for Housing Association dwellings. The local planning authority will require the Design-Stage Assessment, Pre-Assessment and Post-Construction Assessment.

How do I know I have achieved a Code Level 3?

• Once it is established that a Code for Sustainable Homes is required, it is important that an accredited CSH assessor is appointed at an early stage.

• Often, pre-assessments are required by Local Planning Authorities to demonstrate that the development has the capability of meeting a CSH standard. The requirement to meet this standard is then incorporated in a binding planning condition.

• Prior to starting the development it is best practice to engage the CSH assessor to undertake and have certificated a “Design Stage” assessment.

• The assessor should work closely with you and your Architect to agree which credits are to be targeted in which areas. In order to achieve design stage certification you will have to commit to meeting these targets and your Architect should incorporate the measures into the design specification.

• You will probably have to commission additional reports such as an ecological report or flood risk assessments.

• Upon completion of the development the CSH assessor will undertake a "Post Construction" review to establish that the credits targeted and the measures specified have been undertaken. The assessor will then complete their report and submit this to the accreditation body to facilitate final certification.

Who can produce the Code for Sustainable Homes Report?

• A Code for Sustainable Homes assessor who is accredited through either BRE Global or Stroma accreditation.

• The accreditation bodies are accountable to Department of Communities and Local Government and are obliged to strictly audit all assessors / schemes.

Benefits

• Maximise energy efficiency compliance can provide guidance on the next steps to improve your energy efficiency through fabric improvements or renewable technology.

• Compliance provides an integrated approach to Building Control and environmental compliance at a fixed price.

• Our services are backed up by qualified professional consultants who are only a phone call away.

• Compliance can provide all the necessary ancillary reports such as ecological or flood risk assessments.

Assessments will cover performance over and above Building Regulations in the following categories:

Energy and CO2 emissions

• Dwelling emission rate, building fabric, internal lighting, drying space, energy labelled white goods, external lighting, low or zero carbon technologies, cycle storage and home office.

Water

• Indoor water use and external water use.

Materials

• Environmental impact of materials, responsible sourcing of materials, management of surface water runoff and flood risk.

Waste

• Storage of non-recyclable waste and recyclable household waste, construction waste management and composting.

Pollution

• Global warming potential of insulants and NOx emissions.

Health & wellbeing

• Daylighting, sound insulation, private space and lifetime homes.

Management

• Home user guide, considerate constructors scheme, construction site impacts, security, ecology, ecological value of site, ecological enhancement building footprint, protection of ecological features and change in ecological value of the site.