Code for Sustainable homes
The code for sustainable homes (CSH) was introduced in 2007, to improve the sustainability and carbon footprint of new housing in the UK. The standard includes a set 9 categories on which a dwelling will be assessed, with ratings from 1-6. Our standard budget builds meet Code 4 of the CSH through inherent energy efficient design, sustainable materials and reduced environmental impact.
1. Energy and CO2 Emissions
SDC employ a highly insulated building envelope in our standard new build construction, with element u-values <0.15W/m2K, greatly surpassing the requirements of the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standards (FEE). In conjunction with energy efficient fixtures and mechanically ventilated heat recovery (MVHR) our new build homes will meet Code 4 of the CSH as standard.
If further reductions in Energy use and CO2 emissions up to Codes 5 & 6 are required, we specify solar thermal water heating, biomass boilers or heat pump technology. We also can specify a range of microgeneration technologies such as Photovoltaic panels, small scale wind or hydro and combined heat and power (CHP) solutions
2. Water
We specify low flow faucets and water efficient toilets as standard in our builds. To achieve Codes 5 & 6 we specify rainwater harvesting, to reduce water usage below 80L per person.
3. Materials
Timber frame systems are inherently more sustainable than conventional brick and block construction. All our housing systems use FSC certified timber and materials that have a low environmental impact, and embodied energy throughout their lifetime. Additional natural building materials can be substituted i.e. natural insulation materials, floor coverings etc.
4. Surface water run-off
We can specify a range of sustainable urban drainage solutions, including rainwater harvesting, stormwater management soakaways and permeable landscaping
5. Waste
Facility for sustainable waste management is intrinsic in our dwellings. Structure fabrication using MMC vastly reduces waste production, on and offsite.
6. Pollution
We specify insulating materials considered to have a GWP ≤5. Our preffered no combustive heating systemss MVHR, heat pump and solar thermal systems have 0 NOx emissions.
7. Heath and well-being
Our Code 6 dwellings will come with a ‘Lifetime Homes Guarantee’ . Standard dwellings have heath and well-being at the heart of their design and employ larger than average room sizes and good levels of accesses.
8. Management
Homes come with a user guide as standard, MMC techniques and our contractors ensure sustainable efficient site management with low impact.
9. Ecology
We ensure a sound ecological approach to the build and operation of the dwelling where necessary we will consult a qualified ecologist to maintain a harmonious ecological setting.