Code for sustainable homes

Launched in 2007, the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) measures the environmental quality of housing through nine weighted categories.

There are 6 levels of the Code: level 1 is just above Building Regulations 2006, and each subsequent level requires further improvements to the energy standards up to 100% at level 5. Level 6 is defined as a zero-carbon home. There are also mandatory standards in other categories, particularly water consumption and environmental impact of materials.

Designing to meet the Code's requirements is an increasing challenge and needs to be considered as an integrated part of the design process. By considering issues in early design stages, necessary surveys can be carried out in good time and the most cost-effective specifications evaluated.

To fulfil this role, Ingleton Wood has trained accredited Code assessors in every office, who work both as an integrated part of design teams, or as an independent consultancy through our Environmental discipline. This gives us a particular capability for schemes at the higher levels of the Code, including current schemes at all levels from level 3 to zero-carbon homes meeting Code 6.