Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Assessors
The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes. It has been prepared by the Government in close working consultation with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).
The Code measures the sustainability of a home against nine design categories, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package. The performance of a new home is rated against a one to six star system to communicate the overall sustainability performance. Minimum standards are set out within the Code for energy and water use at each level.
The nine design categories are:
- Energy and CO2 Emissions
- Pollution
- Water
- Health and Wellbeing
- Materials
- Management
- Surface Water Run-off
- Ecology
- Waste
Each category includes a number of environmental issues that have a potential impact on the environment. The issues can be assessed against a performance target and awarded one or more credits. Performance targets are more demanding than the minimum standard needed to satisfy Building Regulations or other legislation. They represent good or best practice, are technically feasible, and can be delivered by the building industry.
As from September 2010, it will mandatory for all new dwelling developments in Wales to achieve a minimum of a Code level 3 pass overall in the CSH. This extends to even a single new dwelling.
We can provide a full CSH service for clients and will guide you through all of the Assessment Procedures.
ISP Architects licensed code assessors Gareth Jones, Alison Jones or Craig Baugh can advise on specific requirements and provide a more complete explanation of the assessment process. They will also advise you on a step by step guide through the process, which will ultimately allow them to:
- Register a site with BRE.
- Provide a certified Design Stage Assessment (DS)
- Provide a certified Post Construction Stage (PCS)
In addition, we can offer the extra service required as a compulsory part of the CSH Assessment, being:
- Daylight Calculations
- SAP Calculations
- Home User Guide Reports (H.U.G.)
- Surface Water Run-off (Flood Risk) - Consultation with E.A.
- Waste (Recycling) - Consultation with Local Authority