The Code for Sustainable Homes.

On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed a mandatory rating against the Code will be implemented for new homes from 1 May 2008.

The Code for Sustainable Homes measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package.  The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home.  The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

The Code also gives new homebuyers better information about the environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.