sustainable homes 10/09/2008

calderpeel embrace code for sustainable homes

You may be aware that from May 2008 it has become compulsory for the developer or contractor of any new apartments or houses sold, to provide within the HIP a Code for Sustainable Homes Certificate. Whilst there are differing mandatory levels at present, various Local Authorities and Government Bodies are heading toward adopting code level 3 as the standard to aim for. 

With this in mind, and to build on calderpeel’s years of experience as leading residential designers, Neil Lewin and Chris Parks have undertaken the training required to become Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors.  

With calderpeel accredited to provide pre-assessments and then the required design and construction assessment certificates, it puts the Practice in the unique position of being able to offer a holistic design service. calderpeel can integrate the requirements of the code into the overall design which will deliver more cost effective, efficient and integrated design solutions. 

For your reference, the code has 6 different levels and is made up of 9 key areas such as Energy and Water use, which are in turn broken down into 34 sub categories. Credits are achieved in each of these areas contributing to the overall points score and level achieved. calderpeel can carry out a pre-assessment at an early stage. This will enable developers and design teams to get an idea of the measures they need to incorporate as the design progresses in order to achieve the required code level. The pre-assessment is something that calderpeel are discovering that Planning Authorities are also including as a requirement at the planning application stage. 

As the detail design progresses, calderpeel can optimise the design and specification to achieve the required level and advise the client and contractor of any measures that they need to take. 

The extra costs of obtaining certain code levels is yet to be firmly established, however, calderpeel are working closely with a number of clients to upgrade existing house types to level 3 and carry out a study of the cost implications. So, in addition to award winning designs, calderpeel can now offer award winning sustainable developments.

Please contact Neil Lewin in the first instance if you would like to discuss any of the above in greater detail.