UK to Introduce Code for Sustainable Homes

The Communities and Local Government ministerial team in the United Kingdom has announced that it will release its new green building code, the Code for Sustainable Homes, by the end of 2006. Although the code is voluntary for private sector projects, all projects funded by the government will have to meet the code’s requirements. The code will assign points to new homes based on their energy and water efficiency, surface water and site waste management, reduction of material use, and household waste management. To meet the minimum requirements of the code and earn the 30 baseline points, homes will have to exceed the performance requirements of current building regulations; homes can earn up to 70 additional points through further energy, water, and material savings measures. More information on the code can be found online at www.communities.gov.uk.