Code for Sustainable Homes

Focus currently employs three assessors licensed to undertake assessments under the Code for Sustainable Homes. The code, based upon EcoHomes, was developed by the BRE for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and was introduced in April 2007.

Although the majority of assessments are currently undertaken as part of a funding requirement for Affordable Housing Providers, it has recently being confirmed by the DCLG that the Code will become mandatory from May 2008.

Regarded as a step change in house building for the UK, the Code measures the environmental impact of new houses by a star rating system of one to six, with the six star rating reserved for zero carbon dwellings.

In addition to the above services for EcoHomes, we also undertake the following:

• Compliance checks against the new "Lifetimes Homes" credits and design advice
• Workshops to introduce clients to the Code

Focus is in a unique position to support clients in achieving the code requirements. Our experience through EcoHomes and the established services we offer enables us to provide clients with clear advice on cost effective methods of achieving the code levels from one to six.

For further information, contact Jason Redfearn or Trevor Newton.