The maximum Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 is awarded for zero carbon homes.This is a highly aspirational level of sustainability and not many buildings have achieved this level of energy efficiency. The Energy Savings Trust has published a report providing a number of zero carbon case studies:Low carbon futures: zero carbon case studies.
These case studies summarise all currently known developments that have met – or propose to meet – the zero carbon Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 standard, or those schemes that are exempt from Stamp Duty Relief Tax due to their zero carbon status (outside of England and Wales). All new homes built in England from 2016 will have to be built to a zero carbon standard. Wales plans to meet a Code for Sustainable Homes level 5 target by 2011 and aims to achieve further emissions reductions by decarbonising their national grid. The Sullivan report (2007)2 sets out a timeline for Scotland to reach zero carbon by 2016 and Northern Ireland also aims for a zero carbon standard by 2016.
Detail is also included about water efficiency measures, for which the Energy Saving Trust is developing solutions to add to its guidance on energy efficiency. Sustainable waste plans for housing will also be covered in future publications.
The schemes here demonstrate that the housing sector can deliver the highest standards of sustainable housing even during the current economic downturn. This should provide inspiration for others to follow suit and take on the challenge to meet the zero carbon standards.
The Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for Sustainable Homes sets minimum standards against nine performance categories. To achieve Code level 6, at least 90% of the points available under each category have to be gained.
The categories are:
- Energy and CO2 emissions
- Water
- Materials
- Surface water runoff
- Waste
- Pollution
- Health and wellbeing
- Management
- Ecology
Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 homes are highly sustainable, with net zero CO2 emissions over the course of the year. The Communities and Local Government (CLG) consultation document Building a greener future: towards zero carbon development, sets out a definition of zero carbon as:
For a new home to be genuinely zero carbon it will need to deliver zero carbon (net over the year) for all energy use in the home – cooking, washing and electronic entertainment appliances as well as space heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and hot water.
Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief
Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief was a measure introduced by the Government in 2007 to offer tax relief to homes built to a zero carbon standard across the United Kingdom. Homes must meet certain requirements for energy generated for heating and cooking. To qualify for relief, a zero carbon home certificate is required from an accredited assessor. Detailed guidance and qualifying conditions are provided by HM Revenue and Customs.
