code for sustainable homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) has 6 levels. Each level is an increasing reduction of carbon emissions, for example, Level 1 requires a 10% reduction of the Target Emission Rate (TER), Level 4 requires a 44% reduction, and Level 6 requires a 100% reduction and is deemed a ‘zero carbon’ structure.

Under the new CSH rules, your local Planning Officer has likely requested your planning application complies with one of the 6 Levels mentioned above. In fact many Local Authorities have bypassed Levels 1 and 2 and have a minimum requirement of Level 3 on all applications. To submit your planning application, you will need to either supply ‘Pre-Assessment CSH’ or, a full CSH to the required Level (1-6).

Code for Sustainable Homes

What does it involve?

CSH introduces new mandatory levels of carbon emission reduction, arranged as 6 levels

  • Level 1 = 10%
  • Level 2 = 18%
  • Level 3 = 25%
  • Level 4 = 44%
  • Level 5 = 100% / Carbon neutral
  • Level 6 = 100% + ancillary equipment/plug-ins

Also included are new areas of sustainability design and categories such as Water efficiency, Energy efficiency, Surface water management, waste management, pollution, ecology, health and wellbeing.