The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is a recognised standard in the UK for key elements of design and construction which contribute to the effect a new home has on the environment. It has been adopted by the Welsh Assembly Government as the preferred tool to assess how sustainable development is being implemented in new homes in Wales and is fully endorsed by GMW Design.
To move towards more sustainable and zero-carbon buildings in Wales, the Assembly Government expects that the following standards will be met:
- All Planning Applications for 5 or more dwellings received on or after 1 September 2009 will have to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.
- All Planning Applications for 1 or more dwellings received on or after 1 September 2010 will have to meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.
The Code for Sustainable Homes provides a comprehensive measure of the sustainability of new homes, ensuring that sustainable homes deliver real improvements in key areas such as carbon dioxide emissions, water use, waste generated and materials for building. The Government’s ambition is that it becomes the single national standard for the design and construction of sustainable homes and that it drives improvements in home building practice.
The Code for Sustainable Homes scheme covers nine sustainable design principles each of which needs to be assessed individually. The nine principles covered are:
Energy and Carbon Dioxide Emissions;
- Water
- Materials
- Surface water run-off;
- Waste Management
- Pollution
- Health and well-being;
- Management
- Ecology
The Code for Sustainable Homes is undoubtedly complex, however, at GWM Design we can provide you with a complete package and guide you through every step from inception through to completion to ensure that your development achieves the maximum possible credits and that your development is designed from day one with the code in mind.
The formal assessment is split into two stages, Design and Post Construction. We strongly recommend that a pre-design meeting is carried out to ensure that you’re fully aware of the additional costs, specifications and reporting processes that will be required to achieve specific code levels.
To book a meeting with GMW Design regarding the Code for Sustainable Homes, please contact us
here.
