2010 update to the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide

On 11th November the revised Technical Manual for the Code for Sustainable Homes was published by CLG.  As a result of a period of consultation the revised document contains some substantial revisions to the requirements and these are summarised below.

Aligning the Code with zero carbon policy

• Aligning the Code with Part L 2010. Code level 4 continues to be a 44 per cent improvement above Part L 2006 (25 per cent above Part L 2010).
• Adopting the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard which replaces Heat Loss Parameter in ENE2.
• Moving credits from ENE1 to ENE2 to incentivise a 'fabric first approach'.
• Allowing fractions of credits in ENE1 and 2 (NB. if this proves successful the Government may consider rolling it out to other areas as appropriate).
• Removing credits for internal lighting and replacing it with a new Energy Display category.
• Requiring evidence to be provided by house builders on the energy efficiency of appliances provided as optional extras if they choose to gain the 1 credit for leaflet provision.
• Introducing a requirement for certification under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or assurance under the CHPQA, in issue Ene7.

Streamlining the Code

• Postponing the introduction of Lifetime Homes as a mandatory requirement at Code level 4 and 5.
• Introducing an exemption on steeply sloping sites for the external Lifetime Homes requirements, and award three out of the four available points.
• Changing the technical guide criteria in order to better reflect current thinking and standards on accessibility.
• Removing the mandatory requirement for Site Waste Management Plans, and replacing this with voluntary credits for minimising or diverting waste to landfill.

Resolving problems that have arisen in use

• Adopting the revised standards for Surface Water Management in SUR1, subject to amendments by the Environment Agency and other experts. However this will be removed once the National Standards for SUDS are introduced.

A copy of the Technical Guide can be viewed using the following link -

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/codeguide

Proposed changes that have not been included at this stage

Aligning the Code with zero carbon policy

• Changing Code level 5 and 6 to allow lower levels of carbon compliance as proposed in the 2016 zero carbon policy, pending further work from the Zero Carbon Hub.
• Reordering and renaming the Code energy category. Users of the Code did not support the change as it would mean changes to their systems and processes.
• Introducing an interim Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) into the Code at level 4. Whilst there was support for an interim measure to reflect the 2013 standard there was not clear consensus as to whether this should be a FEES or monitoring and testing. The approach we have taken is to provide guidance as to what level should be achieved for those building to Code level 4 in anticipation of Part L 2013.
• Reducing the credits available for external lighting from 2 to 1. Although there was a positive response overall, there was strong opposition to this from house builders and those concerned with security.
• Renaming 'ENE7 Low and Zero Carbon Technologies' 'ENE3: Renewable Technologies': There was strong feedback that we should continue to include low carbon technologies, especially gas CHP, as this could be a suitable first step to installing, at a later stage, a zero emissions or renewable technology.

Streamlining the Code

• Doubling the external space for waste storage where there is a fortnightly waste collection. There was insufficient evidence available to make this change.
• Changing the space requirements for communal cycle storage in large scale, high density developments. Insufficient evidence was provided to support claims that the Code was resulting in widespread unused cycle storage in these developments. However, evidence has suggested that in other (non-Code) developments cycle storage problems could arise if it was not well designed. As such voluntary design guidance has been introduced into the Code, to help overcome this problem.
• Allowing mobility equipment storage instead of cycles in 'specialist' accommodation such as retirement homes. Insufficient evidence was provided to explain the problem, in particular how specialist accommodation is defined. However, this is a valid issue that will be investigated more deeply in the coming months.
• Reducing the home office space requirement for specialist housing or retirement homes. Again, insufficient evidence was presented, and the necessary definitions were absent; a risk is that equity considerations could be triggered. However, this issue will also be investigated further.
• Changing the way credits are allocated for security. A wider review of security in building standards will be conducted in the coming months, which will consider the Code and security issues more deeply.

Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard

In July 2010 the coalition Government confirmed that new homes will be zero carbon from 2016 and that a minimum Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard would be required, as consulted on in December 2009.

Transition arrangements

The Code 2010 update will come into effect immediately. However, as it is important that the versions of the Code, Part L and SAP align, it will be possible for developments to continue to be registered to the May 2009 version of the Code as long as it can be demonstrated that the development is being built to Part L 2006 standards.

Next update to the Code

The Government is committed to reduce the burden of regulation, and to reducing duplication. Future plans to review the future role of the Code are currently being considered, alongside a wider rationalisation of housing standards.

This article, along with supporting information can be found on the Communities and Local Government website, or by clicking here.