The Code for Sustainable Homes is the latest method of evaluating residential home design and construction in terms of energy use, water efficiency and sustainability in England. In terms of Climate Change, the objective of the UK government is to achieve Code Level 6 (so called “zero carbon homes”) in all new developments by 2016. Future planning consents for residential developments will set a mandatory Code Level, which will increase from a typical Level 3 or 4 to 6 over the next few years as technologies become more widespread and affordable.

Achieving a given Code Level cost-effectively is not a trivial matter. Aspects such as the orientation of a building, the design of the building and the selection materials used, as well as the quality of the construction are all critical. RPS can advise on the optimum strategies to achieve a desired Code Level at all stages of a development, and so reduce the risk inherent in meeting the planning requirements. In many cases a demonstration of sustainability features can enhance a bid where there is competition for Local Authority land.

Because RPS has an extensive network of offices with integrated planning, design and M&E capabilities, we are uniquely placed to advise clients on the local application of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This, together with our strong capabilities in terms of on-site renewable energy, ensures that our advice is practical and sensitive to the wide regional variations in terms of priorities and approaches.

We can offer a range of different Code Pre-assessments for the early stages of a planning application or bid; during design we can offer design advice and Detailed Code Assessments and throughout the process we can provide a Code Management System (including a software tool to handle all the key evidence) which will reduce the administrative burden of achieving Code Compliance.