Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment (CSH)

Question: What is the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Answer: The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) was the UK Government's national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes, launched in 2007. It rated homes from Level 1 to Level 6 across nine categories including energy and CO2 emissions, water, materials, surface water run-off, waste, pollution, health and wellbeing, management and ecology.

The Code was withdrawn by the Government in March 2015 as part of the Housing Standards Review, with its key requirements absorbed into the Building Regulations and optional technical standards.

Question: Is the Code for Sustainable Homes still required?

Answer: Although withdrawn for new planning applications, the Code remains relevant where:

• Planning permission was granted before March 2015 with a condition requiring a Code level
• Legacy development agreements or Section 106 obligations reference the Code
• Legacy developments are being completed under the old standard
• Registered Providers or funders have contractual Code requirements

In these cases, the assessment must still be completed and certified against the relevant Code version. For all new schemes, equivalent requirements are now met through Building Regulations Part L, Part G optional water standards, the Future Homes Standard and local planning policy.

Question: What replaced the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Answer: Since 2015, sustainability standards for new homes have been delivered through:

• Building Regulations Part L (energy and carbon), significantly tightened in 2021 and via the Future Homes Standard
• Part G optional requirement of 110 litres per person per day for water efficiency
• Nationally Described Space Standards
• Part M optional accessibility standards
• Local planning policies on carbon reduction and sustainability
• Voluntary schemes such as the Home Quality Mark and Passivhaus

Local authorities can no longer require Code levels but can set carbon and water standards through planning policy.

Question: How is a legacy Code assessment completed?

Answer: Legacy Code assessments are undertaken by licensed Code assessors against the Code version in force when the planning permission was granted, typically the 2010 Technical Guide. The process involves a design stage assessment, evidence collection during construction, a post-construction review and certification. SAP calculations, water calculations, materials specifications and ecology reports are required as evidence.

Question: What is the Home Quality Mark?

Answer: The Home Quality Mark (HQM) is the BRE's voluntary successor to the Code for Sustainable Homes. It assesses new homes across quality of life, running costs and environmental impact, awarding a star rating. HQM is used by housebuilders and Registered Providers who want to demonstrate quality and sustainability beyond Building Regulations, and is sometimes referenced in local planning policy.

Question: Can existing Code conditions be varied?

Answer: Yes. Where a Code condition is no longer achievable or appropriate, developers may apply to vary or discharge the condition under Section 73 or Section 96A of the Town and Country Planning Act, usually proposing an equivalent standard such as a percentage carbon improvement over Part L or a water efficiency standard. A sustainability consultant can prepare the technical justification for such an application.

Question: Why choose Syntegra Group for Code for Sustainable Homes assessment?

Answer: Syntegra Group has assessed hundreds of homes under the Code for Sustainable Homes and continues to support legacy schemes, condition discharge and variations across the UK. Our assessors and SAP energy assessors work together to provide efficient, accurate assessments and to advise on the most appropriate modern standard where a Code condition is being replaced.

We also provide Home Quality Mark, Passivhaus and Part L services for new residential developments, ensuring clients have a clear route to compliance whatever the age of their planning consent.