New housing

In response to tougher CO₂ targets, energy standards for newbuild housing are constantly on the rise. In 2006, the Energy Saving Trust introduced Good, Best and Advanced practice standards that exceeded the requirements of the 2006 Building Regulations. These now form part of the Code for Sustainable Homes, launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government and aiming to reach zero carbon for all new homes by 2016.

But although they may just be a few years away in terms of legislation, zero-carbon newbuilds are a long way from what existing regulations require. How do you start moving towards this demanding standard?

We recently launched a suite of three publications that provide guidance and solutions for meeting the demands of levels 3 through to 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. (Whilst the guidelines have been set for England, they can be applied across the UK).

Our resources also include a wide range of guidance and case studies on energy efficiency in new developments. And our dedicated helpline on 0845 120 7799 also provides free advice on technical issues.

Finally, our Newbuild Outreach service offers support for individual developers and house builders committed to building to higher energy performance standards.

You can download our guidance to the Code for Sustainable Homes from the related links on the right.

As well as guidance to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes, a wide range of guidance and case study material exists and can be downloaded from our website. For a full index or our publications download Energy Efficiency is best practice (CE279) from the related links on the right.