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March 15, 2010

CSH to embrace more achievable energy standards – but at what cost?

TRADA has welcomed the fact that not only is Government coming closer to defining ‘zero carbon', but also that through CLG's latest consultation on the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH), it is likely to produce minimum energy targets which are practical and above all achievable.

Those who cannot meet the full minimum ‘zero carbon' target will be able to make up the shortfall by paying for one or more ‘allowable solutions', eg investment in a wind farm, from a list to be developed. TRADA Membership & Marketing Manager Rupert Scott warned, however, ‘What members must watch out for is what these allowable solutions will cost. The concern is that any squeeze on developer profits will result in either curtailed/delayed development, or a squeeze on suppliers, neither of which is good for suppliers downstream.'

The consultation, which draws to a close on 24^th March, seeks views on changes to the CSH in 2010, to align with changes to Part L of the Building Regulations and the proposed approach to adopting the 2016 definition of zero carbon. Critically, said Mr Scott, one of its main aims is to align its policy on zero carbon homes by adopting the same definition in all relevant tools and documents.

Work commissioned by CLG and undertaken by the Zero Carbon Hub on defining the term ‘zero carbon' has put forward a minimum level of energy/thermal efficiency and on site energy generation that is, he said, ‘believed to be reasonably achievable'. While CLG wishes to use this definition of zero carbon in the Code for Sustainable Homes, it wants to check first that there are no unintended adverse consequences.

The specific definition of the minimum requirement for zero carbon is a 70% reduction on Part L 2006 carbon emissions, incorporating both fabric improvements and on-site energy generation. The minimum fabric target is such that heating and cooling require a maximum of:

• 46kWh/m²/yr for detached dwellings
• 39kWh/m²/yr for all other dwelling types.

Any shortfall in meeting all heating/cooling and appliance/lighting requirements will have to be made up by paying for ‘allowable solutions'. Mr Scott added, ‘It seems perfectly sensible to use the same definition, but there will be a cost and industry has to be aware of it.'

A further aim of the consultation is to ‘streamline' the Code, essentially by tackling some areas of complaint, with solutions which are palatable and practical either in the short term or in the future:

1. Relaxation on the mandatory requirement to meet the Lifetime Homes standard at Code level 4 and above. This is considered to be too much of a cost burden in the current economic climate, but the present administration will not lose sight of this aim and will at some point want to see it on all new homes in the future.
2. Greater flexibility regarding cycle storage on high density developments and specialist homes for 60+ age group.
3. Greater flexibility regarding home office requirements for specialist housing for 60+ age group.
4. Clearer statement that Secured by Design testing and certification of doorsets and windows are a definite requirement for the CSH, as distinct from some looser definition allowed by a local police advisor. Mr Scott commented, ‘Of course, the police advisor should know from the SBD rules that testing and certification are a definite requirement for SBD approval. Interestingly, 90% of homes assessed to CSH have achieved points under the security category.'

To view the consultation in full http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/futureofcodeconsultation

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