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The Code for Sustainable Homes & BREEAM
What is the Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes is an assessment tool that supersedes the BRE EcoHomes assessment methodology. Referred to as "the Code", it aims to promote environmental conservation by providing benchmarks on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind, with mandatory performance targets in energy and water efficiency, waste management and material use. The Code was introduced in April 2008 and a year later it became mandatory for all new homes to be assessed in relation to it.
What can Phlorum do?
Phlorum can carry out Code for Sustainable Homes assessments, and offer guidance on building to the code.
Phlorum Limited can advise architects, designers, developers and other organisations on the optimum method of adhering to the Code's guidelines in order to produce a project built to the highest environmental standards.
These days, Local Planning Authorities are requiring proposed developments to reach a certain Code level. Typically, this is Code Level 3, which requires a 25% reduction in thermal transfer compared to dwellings built to 2002 Building Regulations, as well as targets in daily water consumption. Code Level 4, 5 and 6 require much bigger energy savings, which may demand the micro-generation of power through renewable techniques. It is unlikely that a building can reach these targets without considering the requirements of the Code as early as possible. Preferably, a Code consultant should be part of the design team, to ensure that any revisions to the project do not affect the aspired Code Level.
As well as providing more general advice, Phlorum Limited can also undertake Code for Sustainable Homes assessments. There are two types of assessment: a design assessment, where a provisional Code assessment is undertaken, giving the dwelling a design rating; and a post-construction assessment, where a full assessment is made and the dwelling is given a final rating and certificate.
In terms of cost, comfort and efficiency, it benefits the designer if the consultant advising on design also undertakes the Code assessment. This is our advocated approach at Phlorum Limited.
BREEAM For Buildings
The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a tool that is used to review and improve the environmental performance of all types of buildings. As well as ensuring compliance with planning policies and their use in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) they can demonstrate your "green" credentials to investors and clients, minimising investment risk and increasing the ethical appeal of a development. Aside from benefits seen in reduced energy use, building to BREEAM requirements will result in financial savings from minimised building running costs, increased comfort for staff and occupants and provision of a safe, secure and healthy working environment.
All types of non-domestic buildings can be assessed under BREEAM (e.g. prisons, hospitals and factories) and Phlorum Limited can undertake assessments for each. As with the Code, it is suggested that all new projects looking to gain a BREEAM rating (ranging from "Good" to "Excellent") should employ a design consultant on the design team, so a strategy for meeting targets can be implemented as soon as possible.
As well as BREEAM and the Code in the UK, Phlorum Limited staff are highly knowledgeable in international assessment tools, such as Germany's Passivehaus, and LEED in the USA.
- Japanese Knotweed Eradication
- Air Quality
- Sustainability
- Noise & Vibration
- Contaminated Land
- Environmental Impact
- Environmental Management
- Flood Risk Assessment
- Ecology
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