Code for Sustainable Homes 2010 Complete Guide

All you need to know about the Code for

Sustainable Homes

CSH Guide

Making your world better

Contents

Our CSH promise to you

If Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is putting a real strain on your resources and margins, be assured that you’re in safe hands with the Energist team. We promise you the best solutions and attention – that’s the Energist CSH promise.

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Our CSH promise is founded on hard facts, an extensive track-record and growing numbers of delighted clients across the UK. As a market leader, we already work with many of the nation’s housebuilders – which means we can cope with high order volumes and tight deadlines, deliver consistent, speedy service, and give you priceless peace of mind.

Clients facing similar challenges to you like the reassurance of knowing that Energist has already completed many CSH projects. Perhaps you’ll recognise some of our existing clients: companies such as Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon, Galliford Try, Bellway, Berkeley, Kier, Morgan Sindall, Cala, Wates and Leadbitter...

We’re sure you’ll also value our extensive experience of CSH Level 3 and 4 projects. We’re currently working on several landmark CSH Level 5 and 6 sites too. These include a proposed 30-unit development where our knowledge of, and working experience with, Code and renewable technology lets us provide cost-effective, practical solutions to achieve stringent CSH requirements.

With all new dwellings set to be carbon neutral from 2016, we already give clients expert advice to help them ensure that their developments will be future-proof and that even the toughest requirements can be achievable.

Remember, we promise you the best CSH solutions and attention.

Contents

4 - Welcome message

5 - New to CSH?

6 - Worried about the CSH regulations?

7 - How CSH differs around the UK

8 - A typical CSH timeline

9 - Code categories November 2010

16 - Quick reference guide

29 - Our Top 10 tips for achieving Code for Sustainable Homes

30 - What to do next…

31 - Jargon Buster

32 - What YOU say about working with us

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Welcome Messagefrom Sarah Fenwick, Managing Director of Energist UK

Things don’t get any easier in construction. We seem to say something similar every time we write introductions like this one, or commentate on the industry. But it’s true, and we all have to deal with it – or we won’t survive in business.

As your partner for all things to do with Part L, planning and sustainability in construction, we appreciate and understand the continuing challenges and growing complexities of bringing projects in on-time, on budget and in compliance with the Code for Sustainable Homes – as increasingly demanded by UK local authorities.

As with all aspects of the Building Regulations, achieving Code can either be viewed as another hassle or an exciting opportunity to enhance your end product and differentiate your offer. Try a little optimism and think of it as a way to add value, increase achievable selling prices or sell more at current prices. Doesn’t that sound better?

Our promise to you is that we’ll make achieving Code for Sustainable Homes as simple and straightforward as possible for you. We’ll hit your deadlines, advise you on your options, offer practical solutions and help you achieve your CSH assessment. Along the way, we’ll save you time, money and headaches. This is, after all, what we do.

Take a look through the following pages. It won’t take you ages and we’re sure you’ll learn something useful. From CSH around the UK to a typical assessment timeline, a breakdown of code categories and top tips for achieving Code, this is the handy introduction to achieving CSH.

Next, please call the team for a chat about your projects. You’ll be amazed how we can help: with fast, competitively priced assessments, great advice, special offers and valuable training including our ever-popular CSH seminars. As with everything we do, we’ll cut through the red tape of CSH. We do the hard work and thinking while you get on with doing what you do best – managing your build project.

As always, you can count on the Energist team to be proactive and very easy to work with as we save you time and money and spare you from worry on the way to that essential assessment.

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CSH is a credit-based assessment of a new dwelling, which measures its performance in nine different areas of sustainability.

The only certainty is change! And the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH, or ‘Code’) has

changed again. With 2010’s changes, sites registered under Part L 2006 had to be assessed

under the May 2009 version of CSH, while sites registered under Part L 2010 come under the

November 2010 version.

The 9 CSH categories are weighted as follows:

The 2010 Code rewards you for putting

more insulation in buildings, whilst credits in

Ene1 will be costlier to achieve. And you’ve

probably heard about the changes to the

Surface Water Run-off, Lifetime Homes and

Energy categories. But how will they impact

your CSH assessments? Don’t worry. One call

to us and you’ll be smiling all the way to those

vital Code ratings!

New to CSH?

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Level Points Required

1 36

2 48

3 57

4 68

5 84

6 90

Worried about the CSH regulations?Just when you thought you had the CSH basics sussed, the 2010 update brought loads of changes…

How CSH differs around the UK

Here, translated from ‘government speak’ into Energist’s easy-to-understand language, are

the highlights from the latest version of Code. If you really must read the original, check out

Summary of changes to the Code for Sustainable Homes technical guidance: November 2010.

Aligning Code with zero-CO2 policy

Code Level 4 remains a 44 per cent

improvement over Part L 2006

(and 25 per cent over Part L 2010).

The Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard

has been adopted. It replaces the former

Heat Loss Parameter in Ene 2.

Credits move from Ene 1 to Ene 2 to

incentivise a ‘fabric first’ approach.

Fractions of credits are now allowed in

Ene 1 and 2. If this proves successful,

watch out for the same in other areas.

Credits for internal lighting have gone;

they’re replaced by a new Energy

Display Devices category.

Ene 7 now requires certification under

the Microgeneration Certification

Scheme or assurance under Quality

Assurance for Combined Heat and Power

(CHPQA), instead of requiring a feasibility

study.

Streamlining the Code

The introduction of Lifetime Homes as a

mandatory requirement at Code Level 4

and 5 has been postponed.

There’s a new exemption from the

external Lifetime Homes requirements on

steeply sloping sites.

Site Waste Management Plans are no

longer mandatory. They’re replaced

with voluntary credits for minimising or

diverting waste from landfill.

As if that’s not enough to get your head

around, other proposed changes weren’t

included in the 2010 update! If ever you

needed Energist, it’s now – and into

the future.

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How CSH differs around the UK

In England, all new housing funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is

required to meet CSH Level 3. More and more local authorities also require CSH standards

to be met as a condition of planning approval.

In Wales, all new housing promoted or supported by The Assembly Government or their

sponsored bodies is required to meet CSH Level 3.

In Northern Ireland, all new self-contained social housing must meet CSH Level 3.

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A typical CSH timelineWhat to expect from your Energist CSH team

The length of your CSH assessment will depend on how quickly you can give us the

evidence we need. Please get the evidence to us as soon as possible. Once we have it,

we’ll confirm turnaround times – we often get certificates back to clients within two weeks.

Impressive, huh!

The Energist Sustainable Homes Solution...what to expect

Your Assessor submits your Post Construction Stage Reports to the regulator

We carry out a Post Construction

Survey on site

You send us your evidence!

We’ll help you out with any issues you

are unsure of

Your Assessor submits your Design Stage Reports to the

regulator

We issue you with your Design Stage certificates

Your Assessor produces your

Pre Assessment report

Your quotation is issued by your Projects and Pricing

Team contact

Your Code Assessor is introduced and sends you a list of the evidence we

require for the Assessment

Design Stage Meeting - we talk you through the Code requirements and

agree outline timings

If you’re happy with our Quotation,

you fax or email us your quote approval

We agree your requirements for the

Post Construction Review with you

We issue you with your Post Construction Stage

certificates

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Energy - Ene 1: Dwelling Emission RateEne 1 measures the performance of the building through its annual carbon emissions using the SAP calculation. For each dwelling the SAP calculates a Target Emission Rate (kg CO

2/m2/year). SAP then

works out the properties Dwelling Emission Rate (DER), the actual CO2emissions emitted as a result

of energy used for space heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting. In order to be compliant with Part L 2010 and the mandatory Ene 1 requirement for CSH Level 1, 2 and 3 the DER must be lower than the TER. Credits are then awarded under the Code for any percentage improvement the DER

has over the TER.

All homes built in Wales under the Code are required to achieve an 8% reduction over the TER.

At CSH Level 6 you are currently required to offset not only carbon emissions from space heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting but also from appliances. This will result in a negative DER. The definition of Zero Carbon is currently being re-written and it is expected that a Zero Carbon Home will only have to account for energy consumption from space heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting NOT from appliances. However, it is likely this definition will not come into practice

until the CSH is revised in 2013 in accordance with Part L revisions.

A typical CSH timelineWhat to expect from your Energist CSH team

Code categories November 2010

Improvement over 2010 TER Credits Awarded Mandatory Requirement0% 0 Levels 1, 2 & 3

8% 1

16% 2

25% 3 Level 4

36% 4

47% 5

59% 6

72% 7

85% 8

100% 9 Level 5

Net Zero CO2 emissions 10 Level 6

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Code categories...Continued

Energy - Ene 3: Energy Display DevicesTo achieve credits under Ene 3, all monitors must be correctly specified.

To be correctly specified, energy display devices must be one or more self-charging

sensors fixed to the incoming mains supply.

They must be able to measure and transmit energy consumption data to a visual display

unit (VDU). The VDU must be capable of monitoring and showing the following:

Local time.

Current mains energy consumption (kW and kWh).

Current emissions in grams or kilograms of CO2

Current tariff.

Current cost (for pre-pay customers cost should be displayed on a monthly basis).

Accurate account balance information.

Non-numeric visual presentation of data.

Historical consumption data.

48 60 3

45 55 4

43 52 5

41 49 6

39 46 7 Levels 5 & 6

35 42 8

32 38 9

Apartment blocks, Mid-terrace

End Terrace, Semi-detached and Detached

Dwelling Type Credits Available Mandatory Levels

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Energy - Ene 2: Fabric Energy EfficiencyOrientation matters! Fabric energy efficiency (FEE) measures the heat demand of a property in kWh/m2/year. Heat loss, ventilation, internal and solar gains are all taken into account. As you’d expect, the dwelling’s orientation makes a big difference. Because this is determined at the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) stage, the design is important if you want maximum credits (nine are available).

NOTE: The FEE Standard is the fabric-performance benchmark for Level 6 Zero Carbon homes.

Energy - Ene 4: Drying SpaceThis is a very easy credit to achieve – but make sure that any internal drying equipment is

fixed and adequate ventilation provided.

Energy - Ene 5: Energy Efficient White GoodsHere’s another easy credit if you’re just

providing the familiar EU energy label

that rates the energy efficiency of

product(s) from A to G.

NOTE: there are A+ and A++ ratings

for refrigerated appliances too.

Criteria Credits AwardedProviding information on the EU Energy Efficiency Labelling

Scheme. Where the developer offers white goods for sale with the property as a sales extra, these must also be CSH compliant.

1

When providing the following white goods as standard:

A+ rated fridge, freezer or fridge-freezerAnd

A-rated washing machine and dishwasherAnd

B-rated washer dryers where supplied

2

Criteria Credits AwardedCorrectly specified device that displays electricity or

primary heating fuel consumption1

Correctly specified device that can display electricity and primary heating fuel consumption

2

Criteria Credits AwardedPosts and fixings provided as follows

1–2 bed dwellings At least 4 m of drying line 3+ bed dwellings At least 6 m of drying line

1

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Energy - Ene 6: External LightingThese are easy credits too. All external space lighting

and security lighting must be designed to be energy efficient.

Energy - Ene 7: Low/Zero Carbon TechnologyA feasibility study is no longer required, but technologies must be installed under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme or CHPQA. This makes the two available credits more

achievable where renewable technology is used.

Energy- Ene 8: Cycle StorageMake it easy for residents to get on their bikes! Under Ene 8, cycle storage is provided in a garage/shed, a communal cycle store or inside the building. The amount of storage required for a given size of property is specified in the Ene 8 criteria. In all cases, storage must be easily and directly accessible. Where the design includes a communal store, stands and secure anchor points must be provided for each cycle space.

Criteria Credits AwardedThe carbon emissions of the dwelling are reduced by 10% through

the use of Low/Zero Carbon (LZC) technology.1

The carbon emissions of the dwelling are reduced by 15% through the use of Low/Zero Carbon (LZC) technology.

2

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere all external space lighting is dedicated low-energy 1

Where all security lighting fittings are specified as follows:

Burglar security lighting: less than 150W, PIR sensors and daylight cut-off sensors.

Other security lighting: dedicated energy-efficient fittings fitted with daylight cut-off sensors or timers.

2


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Energy - Ene 9: Home OfficeWe already know that working from home can be a great way to help the environment and this is another easy way to pick up a credit. The Ene 9 criteria are as shown, where sufficient space and services are provided to allow the use of a room as a home office. In all cases, the office’s location must be shown on the dwelling’s drawings. Beware the Daylight Factor*!

*The daylight factor is a measure of interior light.

It’s the ratio of how much light strikes a given point

in an interior to the amount of light striking an exterior

point at the same moment under identical conditions.

Criteria Credits AwardedStudios or 1-bed dwellings: storage for 1 cycle per 2 dwellings

2 and 3-bed dwellings: storage for 1 cycle per dwelling4-bed +: storage for 4 cycles per dwelling

1

Studios or 1-bed dwellings: storage for 1 cycle per dwelling2 and 3-bed dwellings: storage for 2 cycles per dwelling

4-bed +: storage for 4 cycles per dwelling

2

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere sufficient space and services are provided to allow the use of a room as a home office, being:

1.8 m of wall space2 plug sockets

1 telephone point (if broadband available)Openable window or adequate ventilation

Daylight Factor* of 1.5%

1

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Water - Wat 1: Internal Water UseWith five credits available, this category is concerned

with the water consumption (in litres per person per day)

for a dwelling. The requirements for Levels 1 to 6 are all

mandatory.

To achieve Level 3, the dwelling’s water consumption

mustn’t exceed 105 litres per person per day. This can be

achieved with low-flow taps, showers, low-capacity baths,

and water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines.

NOTE: rainwater harvesting is likely to be required to

achieve Levels 5 or 6.

Water - Wat 2: External Water UseNo ifs here, it’s got to be a butt! This category covers providing a

Code-compliant water butt connected to a rainwater downpipe.

The water capture and storage system enables rainwater to be

reused in a garden, patio or communal garden space.

NOTE: you must show the water butt’s location on the drawings.

Water Consumption(litres per person per day)

Credits Awarded Mandatory Requirement

120 1 Level 1 & 2

110 2

105 3 Level 3 & 4

90 4

80 5 Level 5 & 6

Criteria Credits AwardedProvision of a system to store rainwater

for reuse in a garden, patio or communal garden space.

1


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Materials - Mat 1: Environmental Impact of MaterialsAward of credits under Mat 1 will depend on which Green Guide rating the project achieves, or the use of the Mat 1 calculator to assess the environmental impact of elements.

The Green Guide to Specification is used to determine the credits achieved:

Materials - Mat 2: Responsible Sourcing of Materials (Basic Building Elements)When complying with Mat 2, it’s important to collect evidence for the Design Stage and Post-construction assessments. To make things easier, the supplier should be told about this requirement at the start of development.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification can be provided for timber and timber products. The architect or contractor is responsible for sourcing this.

Materials - Mat 3: Responsible Sourcing of Materials (Finishing Elements)This is the equivalent of Mat 2, but for the finishing elements of a dwelling’s construction.

Green Guide spec. Credits availableA+ 3

A 2

B 1

C 0.5

D 0.25

E 0

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere the Mat 2 calculator is used to assess the responsible sourcing of

materials for basic building elements1–6

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere the Mat 2 calculator is used to assess the responsible sourcing of

materials for finishing elements1–3

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A quick reference guide to Code for Sustainable Homes Credits

Category May 2009Technical Guidance

November 2010Technical Guidance Key changes

Energy Ene 1 15 10 Ene 1 Credits aligned with Part L 2010 TER. Part credits awarded Ene 2 2 9 Ene 2 New category: Fabric Energy Efficiency. More credits available for reduction of heat demand

Ene 3 2 2 Ene 3 New category: Energy Display DevicesEne 4 1 1 Ene 4 Requirement of 30 l/s for intermittent extract to internal drying space, and 13 l/s for

continuous extractEne 5 2 2 Ene 5 Any white goods offered as a sales extra must also be compliant with the Code criteriaEne 6 2 2 Ene 6Ene 7 2 2 Ene 7 No requirement for a feasibility study. Installers must be MCS accredited

Ene 8 2 2 Ene 8Ene 9 1 1 Ene 9

Water Wat 1 5 5 Wat 1

Wat 2 1 1 Wat 2Materials Mat 1 15 15 Mat 1

Mat 2 6 6 Mat 2Mat 3 3 3 Mat 3

Surface Run off Sur 1 2 2 Sur 1 Definition of a suitably qualified engineer provided. Requirement to ensure dwellings will not flood in the event of a total drainage failure. The additional volume of run off for the 100 year event of 6 hour duration must be first reduced using infiltration and other SUDs techniques.

Sur 2 2 2 Sur 2 The definition of sources of flooding has been expanded.

Waste Was 1 4 4 Was 1 Disabled access requirements amended in the form of Checklist IDPWas 2 2 3 Was 2 Mandatory requirement for a SWMP removed. 3 credits now available,

however the weighting is reduced.Was 3 1 1 Was 3 Requirement for a 7 litre internal compost bin to achieve the credit.

Access requirements to be in accordance with Checklist IDPPollution Pol 1 3 3

Pol 2 1 1Health and Wellbeing Hea 1 3 3 Hea 1

Hea 2 4 4 Hea 2Hea 3 1 1 Hea 3 Access requirements to be in accordance with Checklist IDPHea 4 4 4 Hea 4 Exemption introduced for criteria 2 and 3, where the gradient of the site exceeds 1:15.

3 credits awarded in this instance.Management Man 1 3 3 Man 1

Man 2 2 2 Man 2 Requirement to achieve 4 in every section, with a total score of 32 or more to achieve 2 credits.Man 3 2 2 Man 3Man 4 2 2 Man 4

Ecology Eco 1 1 1 Eco 1Eco 2 1 1 Eco 2Eco 3 1 1 Eco 3Eco 4 4 4 Eco 4Eco 5 2 2 Eco 5

These credits can be cost effective and you should look to pick up as many of these as possible in each category. It is important to be more aware of these credits as they may not be achievable on every site and could require design alterations or extra resources to achieve them.

Number of credits awarded

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A quick reference guide to Code for Sustainable Homes Credits

Category May 2009Technical Guidance

November 2010Technical Guidance Key changes

Energy Ene 1 15 10 Ene 1 Credits aligned with Part L 2010 TER. Part credits awarded Ene 2 2 9 Ene 2 New category: Fabric Energy Efficiency. More credits available for reduction of heat demand

Ene 3 2 2 Ene 3 New category: Energy Display DevicesEne 4 1 1 Ene 4 Requirement of 30 l/s for intermittent extract to internal drying space, and 13 l/s for

continuous extractEne 5 2 2 Ene 5 Any white goods offered as a sales extra must also be compliant with the Code criteriaEne 6 2 2 Ene 6Ene 7 2 2 Ene 7 No requirement for a feasibility study. Installers must be MCS accredited

Ene 8 2 2 Ene 8Ene 9 1 1 Ene 9

Water Wat 1 5 5 Wat 1

Wat 2 1 1 Wat 2Materials Mat 1 15 15 Mat 1

Mat 2 6 6 Mat 2Mat 3 3 3 Mat 3

Surface Run off Sur 1 2 2 Sur 1 Definition of a suitably qualified engineer provided. Requirement to ensure dwellings will not flood in the event of a total drainage failure. The additional volume of run off for the 100 year event of 6 hour duration must be first reduced using infiltration and other SUDs techniques.

Sur 2 2 2 Sur 2 The definition of sources of flooding has been expanded.

Waste Was 1 4 4 Was 1 Disabled access requirements amended in the form of Checklist IDPWas 2 2 3 Was 2 Mandatory requirement for a SWMP removed. 3 credits now available,

however the weighting is reduced.Was 3 1 1 Was 3 Requirement for a 7 litre internal compost bin to achieve the credit.

Access requirements to be in accordance with Checklist IDPPollution Pol 1 3 3

Pol 2 1 1Health and Wellbeing Hea 1 3 3 Hea 1

Hea 2 4 4 Hea 2Hea 3 1 1 Hea 3 Access requirements to be in accordance with Checklist IDPHea 4 4 4 Hea 4 Exemption introduced for criteria 2 and 3, where the gradient of the site exceeds 1:15.

3 credits awarded in this instance.Management Man 1 3 3 Man 1

Man 2 2 2 Man 2 Requirement to achieve 4 in every section, with a total score of 32 or more to achieve 2 credits.Man 3 2 2 Man 3Man 4 2 2 Man 4

Ecology Eco 1 1 1 Eco 1Eco 2 1 1 Eco 2Eco 3 1 1 Eco 3Eco 4 4 4 Eco 4Eco 5 2 2 Eco 5

These credits can be cost effective and you should look to pick up as many of these as possible in each category. It is important to be more aware of these credits as they may not be achievable on every site and could require design alterations or extra resources to achieve them.

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Surface Water Run-off - Sur 1: Management of Surface Water Run-offWater, water everywhere… The requirements for Sur 1 are mandatory and cover 1-year

and 100-year events and additional run-off caused by the development. Where the site’s

man-made impermeable area isn’t increased by the development, two main criteria are

met by default. You must also provide evidence that the dwelling won’t flood during a total

drainage system failure.

TIP: complying with these elements can be costly; that’s why we recommend

completing these calculations as early as possible in the design process.

Two tradable credits are also on offer for (a) ensuring no discharge into a watercourse for

rainfall up to 5 mm and (b) minimising the risk of pollution through appropriate treatment of

hard-surface run-off.

TIP: award of these credits depends on site ground-conditions and the developer’s drainage strategy. Never assume you’ll get these unless the developer’s drainage engineer has confirmed that they are achievable.

NOTE: Water butts are not an allowable means of reducing run off.

Criteria – The Mandatory Requirements Credits AwardedEnsure that the peak rate of run-off for the 1-year and 100-year events

is not increased by the development0

Ensure that the additional volume of run-off caused by the development is entirely reduced using infiltration or other Sustainable Urban Drainage

Systems (SUDS) techniques

0

In addition, evidence must be provided to show that the dwelling will not flood in the event of a total drainage system failure.

0

Where the man-made impermeable area of the site is not increased by the development, these two criteria are met by default.

Criteria – The Tradable Credits Credits AwardedEnsure there is no discharge in watercourses

for rainfall up to 5 mm.1

To minimise the risk of pollution, ensure that all run-off from hard surfaces receives an appropriate level of treatment in accordance with

the SUDS manual.

1


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Criteria Credits AwardedWhere the development falls into Zone 1 2

Where the development falls into Zone 2 and 3a and appropriate measures are in place (all entrances and car parks are at least 600 mm

above the design flood level)

1

Criteria Credits AwardedMANDATORY: Provide sufficient space for waste storage,

accessible to disabled people-

Where a local Authority Recycling scheme does not exist, but sufficient internal storage for recyclable waste is provided

2

Where a Local Authority Recycling scheme collects waste, sufficient internal storage is provided

4

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Surface Water Run-off - Sur 2: Flood RiskCredits are available for flood risk, depending on whether your development is in flood risk zone 1, 2 or 3a. Your Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) must be in accordance with PPS25 and consider all sources of flooding: fluvial; tidal; groundwater; surface water; infrastructure failure; and sewers.

TIP: on smaller sites, and provided that all of the aforementioned flood sources are considered, your drainage engineer may complete the FRA.

Waste - Was 1: Storage of Household WasteUnder Was 1, there’s a mandatory requirement to provide enough space for waste storage (and it must be accessible to disabled people). In addition, up to four credits are available.

NOTE: Internal recycling bins must be fixed to a

unit – not freestanding.

TIP: ensure that mandatory disabled access requirements can be met (that all-important 15 mm threshold can sometimes be hard to achieve!).

TIP: still in doubt? You can always consult the Inclusive Design Principles (IDP) checklist (or call us!)

Criteria Credits AwardedProviding individual home composting facilities

ORA local authority kitchen waste collection scheme is available

1

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere SWMP will monitor site waste and set targets to promote

resource efficiency, with procedures and commitments for reducing waste in accordance with best practice.

1

Diverting 50% of non-hazardous waste from landfill 2

Diverting 85% of non-hazardous waste from landfill 3

Criteria Credits AwardedAll insulation materials have a GWP lower thin 5 1


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Waste - Was 2: Construction Site Waste ManagementWhere there’s muck (away) there are credits to be had! Up to three are available, depending

on whether Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP) will monitor site waste and set targets to

promote resource efficiency, and/or whether non-hazardous waste is diverted from landfill.

NOTE: be warned: soils and muck away must also be diverted from landfill. Achieving

three credits with an 85 per cent reduction in landfill can be very difficult.

Waste - Was 3: CompostingSo to the gift of composting. Was 3 is an easily achievable

credit if home composting facilities are provided or there’s

a local authority kitchen waste collection scheme. The fact

that disabled access requirements will be met under

Was 1 helps make this a very cost-effective credit.

NOTE: collection of garden waste is not sufficient on its own.

Pollution - Pol 1: Global Warming Potential of InsulantsTo achieve the single Pol 1 credit, all insulation materials used in the dwelling must fall

within a specified Global Warming Potential (GWP) limit.

TIP: most insulation materials achieve this credit (e.g. the GWP of mineral wool is 0; for foam board the GWP is less than 5).

Criteria Credits AwardedKitchens must have a Daylight Factor* of 2% or more. 1

Living rooms, dining rooms and studies must have a Daylight Factor* of 1.5% or more.

1

80% of the working plane in each kitchen, living room, dining room and study must receive direct daylight from the sky.

1

Criteria Dry NO

2 Emissions Less than:

Credits Awarded

100 mg/kWh 1

70 mg/kWh 2

40 mg/kWh 3

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Pollution - Pol 2: NOX Emissions of Space and Hot Water Heating SystemsDepending on the level of dry NOX emissions, one, two or three credits are available. Most condensing gas boilers will achieve three credits, but no heating system fuelled by electricity will achieve any. Are you surprised?

TIP: NOX emissions from the UK national grid are assumed to be 1200 mg/kWh.

Credits cannot be awarded if your heating system uses electricity.

Health and Well-being - Hea 1: DaylightingLet the light shine in for up to three credits - one for each of kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms and studies, and direct sunlight on working planes.

TIP: don’t miss out. To achieve as many as possible, get your daylight calcs completed early, preferably while window sizes can still be altered.

*The Daylight Factor is a measure of interior light. It’s the ratio of how much light strikes

a given point in an interior to the amount of light striking an exterior point at the same

moment under identical conditions.

Health and Well-being - Hea 2: Sound InsulationListen up for advice on getting four easily gained ‘must not miss’ credits under Hea 2. These will depend on the dB improvements your development achieves over and above the building regulations’ requirements.

TIP: Measure the standard through the use of Robust Details (RD) or a normal acoustic testing programme as described in Part E. But, be aware that there are other issues

under Part L 2010 where party walls are involved (if in doubt, please ask us for advice).

NOTE: CSH only takes sound transmission between dwellings into account – not sound

transmission within a dwelling.

Health and Well-being - Hea 3: Private SpaceLet’s explore space. It’s worth it when a credit is up for grabs for providing a

private outdoor space.

TIP: achieving your Hea 3 credit requires completion of an Inclusive Design Principles (IDP) checklist to show provision of inclusive access and usability.

Criteria Credits AwardedProvision of outdoor space that meets a minimum size requirement,

allows access to disabled people and is accessible only to occupants of the designated dwellings.

1

Criteria Credits Awarded3dB improvement over Building regulations 1

5dB improvement over Building regulations 3

8dB improvement over Building regulations 4

Detached dwelling 4

Where separating floors only occur between non-habitable rooms 3


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TIP: Achievement of these credits is integral to the design and can be difficult to achieve

in certain situations (e.g. smaller mid-terraced dwellings).

TIP: Housing association agreements sometimes require Lifetime Homes. If so,

you’ll benefit from these heavily weighted credits which offer potential to

reduce costs elsewhere.

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere all the principles of Lifetime Homes, as applicable to the

dwellings, have been complied with4

Exemptions are provided for Criteria 2 and 3 of Lifetime Homes for plots where the topography gradient exceeds 1:15.

Under Criterion 2, the distance from the car parking space to the home should be minimised and should be level or gently sloping.

Under Criterion 3, the approach to all entrances should be level or gently sloping. Where this exemption is used, only three credits can be awarded.

Health and Well-being - Hea 4: Lifetime HomesA home isn’t just for today – it may be for life.

When you comply with all the principles of

Lifetime Homes (applicable to the

dwellings) you can bring home up to

four valuable credits.

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Criteria Credits AwardedMeet best practice under CCS (score between 24 and 31.5) 1

Exceed best practice under CCS(score 32 or more with 4 in every category)

2

Management - Man 1: Home User GuideMan 1 holds the potential for up to three easily achievable, heavily weighted credits – all you have to do is provide a Home User Guide for operation of the dwelling, and information about the site and its surroundings.

For two credits you’ll need to provide a Home User Guide covering information in Checklist Man 1, Part 1, relating to the dwelling’s operation. Adding information about the site and surroundings, (in accordance with Checklist Man 1, Part 2) will get you a valuable additional credit.

TIP: you can provide this information on the Internet or on CD. If the latter,

you’ll need to send a copy of the Contents page, and a letter explaining the

importance of the Home User Guide, to the dwelling’s occupier.

Management - Man 2: Considerate Constructors SchemeAre you a considerate contractor? There’s every reason to be with up to two credits available under Man 2.

TIP: Make sure you register with CCS before you start on site!

Criteria Credits AwardedProviding a Home User Guide that covers information in Checklist

Man 1, Part 1, relating to the operation of the dwelling2

Additionally, providing information relating to the site and surroundings in accordance with Checklist Man 1, Part 2

3


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Management - Man 4: SecurityDesign-in two more credits when you consider security

– it would be a crime not to! Often required as a

separate planning condition, or by a housing association,

this may not be an extra CSH cost either.

NOTE: credits are achieved for complying with Section 2:

Physical Security of Secured by Design (not Section 1).

TIP: Police and government cutbacks can make it hard to get

architectural liaison officers (ALOs) or crime prevention design

advisors (CPDAs) out, so address Man 4 early in your project.

Criteria Credits AwardedThere are procedures covering 2 of the 6 items 1

There are procedures covering 4 of the 6 items 2

TIP: Avoid gathering information on site-related transport. It involves too

much paperwork!

Management - Man 3: Construction Site ImpactsOne or two credits are available here, depending on how many of six site-impact items

you cover with procedures. The procedures monitor, report and set targets for energy

consumption, water consumption or site transport. They also cover adoption of best practice

policy in respect of air or water pollution and make sure that 80 per cent of site timber is

reclaimed, reused or sourced responsibly.

TIP: achieving these credits needs constant on-site monitoring. Providing you

have the resources to meet their criteria, they can be cost-effective.

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Criteria Credits AwardedWhere an SQE has been appointed to recommend ecological

improvements to the site and the developer adopts all Key Recommendations and 30% of Additional Recommendations

1

Ecology – Eco 2: Ecological EnhancementHug a tree! Under Eco 2, another credit is available where you appoint a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) to recommend ecological improvements –and you adopt a specified percentage of their recommendations.

Ecology – Eco 1: Ecological Value of the SiteUnder Eco 1, you can bag a credit where your development site is confirmed as land of low ecological value. This can be awarded through the following:

A completed Eco 1 checklist

Confirmation by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE)

Confirmation by your SQE that the construction zone (CZ) is of low

value and features outside the CZ will remain undisturbed.

NOTE: the construction zone is not the whole site, but the area, immediately around the

building footprint, which is disturbed by construction.

TIP: while you don’t need an ecologist for Eco 1, it may be worth appointing one to get points in the other Eco categories.

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere the development site is confirmed as

land of low ecological value1


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Ecology - Eco 3:Protection of Ecological FeaturesAre all your development site’s existing features of ecological value protected during development? If so, there’s another ‘green’ credit to be had. (You’ll get it by default if the site isn’t deemed to have any features of ecological value under Eco 1!)

NOTE: most greenfield sites have a feature of ecological

value (e.g. a hedge at least 1m high, or a tree with a trunk

diameter of at least 10 cm).

Ecology – Eco 4: Change in Ecological ValueHarness ‘flower power’ for more credits. Up to four depending on the change in your site’s

ecological value (change in species per hectare).

NOTE: ‘species’ only means plants (flora),

not animals (fauna).

TIP: to determine your species baseline, call your

ecologist in before starting work on site.

Criteria Credits AwardedWhere all existing features of ecological value are

protected during development1

Criteria Credits AwardedThe ecological value of the site is measured before

and after development and the overall change in species per hectare is one of the following:

Between -9 and less than or equal to -3 1

Greater than -3 and less than or equal to +3 2

Greater than 3 and less than or equal to 9 3

Greater than 9 4

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Our Top Tips for achieving Code for Sustainable Homes

Criteria Credits AwardedFor houses, where the ratio of NIFA to NIGFA is

greater than or equal to 2.5:1 1

For flats, a ratio of 3:1 or more 1

For houses, a ratio of 3:1 or more 2

For flats, a ratio of 4:1 or more 2

Ecology – Eco 5: Building FootprintIt’s all in the ratios! Up to two credits are awarded based on the ratio between Net Internal

Floor Area (NIFA) and Net Internal Ground Floor Area (NIGFA).

TIP: this requires a precise calculation. We’ll determine whether this can be awarded and provide evidence (based on your detailed plans) at no charge. This is also a site wide calculation, so individual plots will all achieve the same score.

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Our Top Tips for achieving Code for Sustainable Homes

1 Invest in your building fabric.

2 Energy display devices are costly, but a relatively easy way to achieve heavily weighted credits.

3 Source suppliers of energy-efficient white goods.

4 If you’re using renewable energy technology, make sure installers are accredited under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

5 See if your suppliers can provide Chain of Custody certificates to help you get Mat 2 and Mat 3 credits.

6 Ensure drainage designs and calculations are done for Sur 1’s mandatory requirements as early as possible in the project.

7 Ensure your Site Waste Management Plan is in place before beginning site work.

8 Meter and monitor site energy and water consumption.

9 Appoint a Suitably Qualified Ecologist before starting work on site.

10 Register with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) before you begin work on site.

Because we’re so close to CSH, we know the tips and tricks that can help you get the most

credits as cost-effectively as possible. Here’s our current Top Tips:

For more about our top CSH tips, watch our video on YouTube.

And if you still have concerns or queries about CSH? Tip 11 is that the UK’s friendliest

CSH specialist is just a call away on 08458 386 387.

From solar gain to considerate contracting, our

Code team has all the accreditation and

experience needed to make your CSH

project as simple and painless as possible.

It is what we do best!

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Jargon Buster!What to do next…

With Energist as your partner, complying with Code for Sustainable Homes really can be fast,

easy and pain-free. Contact our Projects & Pricing Team on 08458 386 387 or email [email protected] for FREE advice, practical solutions and a competitive quote.

Come to one of our CSH seminarsHow about attending one of our regular CSH seminars too? You give us a morning of your time

and a nominal admin fee. In return, we give you the benefit of our knowledge and experience

with CSH.

And depending on whether it’s a morning or afternoon seminar, we’ll lay on a delicious light

breakfast or similar refreshments too. And of course, parking is free and plentiful at our

easy-to-reach offices in the Cotswolds.

Alternatively, please ask about having an in-house seminar at your offices. With Energist,

anything’s possible. Just tell us what we can do to help make CSH easier for you.

Call 08458 386 387 or email [email protected] for details of forthcoming seminars.

Successful Energy AssessmentsWe know that dealing with building legislation can be complicated, time consuming and

frustrating. It’s our job to do the thinking for you and we have the people, skills and commitment

to give you what you need. With our ‘building success’ promise you can trust our advice to

contribute to the success of your project – and your business. Everything we do has the

success of your project as our focus.

Our service is nationwide and we specialise in ‘Part L’ Building Regulations and energy

assessments, including SAP, Air Leakage Testing, Code for Sustainable Homes, SBEM

and BREEAM calculations, PassivHaus, Ecohomes, Energy Statements, Acoustic Testing,

Thermographic Services, Part G Water Calculations and Display Energy Certificates.

For FREE ADVICE, award-winning customer service, and maybe even a few better night’s

sleep, please contact us now:

t 08458 386 387 f 08456 432 232

e [email protected] w www.energistUK.co.uk

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Jargon Buster!

ALO Architectural liaison officerCCS Considerate Constructors Scheme CHPQA Quality assurance for combined heat and

powerCPDA Crime prevention design advisorCSH Code for Sustainable HomesCZ Construction zoneDER Dwelling emission rateFEE Fabric energy efficiencyFRA Flood risk assessmentGWP Global warming potentialHLP Heat loss parameterIDP Inclusive Design PrinciplesLZC Lower zero carbon technologyMCS Microgeneration Certification SchemeNIFA Net internal floor areaNIGFA Net internal ground floor areaNOX emissions Nitrogen oxidePIR Passive infra-redSAP Standard assessment procedureSQE Suitably qualified ecologistSUDS Sustainable urban drainage systemsSWMP Site waste management planTER Target emission rate

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What you say about working with us

Energist UK was formed in 2006 to provide national coverage to meet government legislation (introduced through local councils and housing associations) to provide sustainable homes for the future.

Since then, we’ve been the construction industry’s trusted, proactive partner. From CSH to PassivHaus, we’re sure you’ll love how we demystify legislation and provide the specialist knowledge and advice you need – and the industry’s fastest report turnarounds.

Here’s some recent client feedback:

‘What can I say, other than your company is one of the best I have had to deal with. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for a great service and look forward to working with you in the not too distant future.’ – Thomas Vale

‘The HA Employers Agent said it was the smoothest site in terms of CSH they had come across so thanks for your help’ - Persimmon Homes

‘Quick, efficient service. Good level of expertise.’ - Planning & Architectural Design

‘Consistently provide a good service and have a friendly professional customer approach.’ -

Taylor Wimpey

‘The excellent understanding of the client’s needs is a refreshing and highly valued aspect of your customer care.’ - Halsall Construction Ltd

Code for Sustainable Homes 2010 Complete Guide

Documents

Transcript of Code for Sustainable Homes 2010 Complete Guide