Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is increasingly being used to benchmark the sustainability of new housing developments, with many Planning Authorities and Housing Associations requiring CSH Level 3 and 4 respectively as a minimum.

Stroma Technology is experienced in undertaking CSH Assessments at all stages and also in providing clear and timely advice to assist in achieving target CSH levels, for both private and social housing developments.

There are two core stages to the CSH assessment process:

• Design Stage Assessment & Interim Certificate: The Assessor determines an interim CSH rating at the design stage, based upon evidence gathered from design drawings, specifications, and commitments made in correspondence. The assessment is then issued to a licensed accreditation body (e.g. our sister company Stroma Certification), who, after verifying the evidence, will issue an Interim Certificate.
• Post-Construction Review & Certificate: A Post-Construction Review confirms, through site visits and documentary evidence, that the dwellings have been built to the Design Stage specifications. Any variations are re-assessed; the CSH credits and overall rating are adjusted accordingly. The assessment is again issued to an accreditation body, who verify the rating and issue the final, Post-Construction Certificate.

Stroma Technology’s scope of services also covers non-mandatory stages of the CSH methodology:

• Pre-Assessment: The Pre-Assessment Report identifies credits that may be achieved and the evidence required, and assigns actions to each member of the design team. It is not only an invaluable tool for the design team, but can also be submitted with a planning application to evidence that the project is on target to achieve the required CSH rating.
• Design advice & strategic consultancy: We can work with our clients at every stage of the project to ensure that CSH compliance solutions are seamlessly integrated into the design and construction process. This minimises the risk of having to take expensive and time-consuming measures post-construction in order to recover the desired rating.

Supporting Services, In-House We can offer the following additional consultancy services relating to the Code for Sustainable Homes:

• Flood Risk Assessments: We can offer Flood Risk Assessments, delivered by CIWEM-chartered Hydrological Engineers, to satisfy CSH criteria. All CSH sites require a Flood Risk Assessment Report under SUR1, regardless of the flood zone that the development is located in.

We can also offer Flood Risk Assessments to gain up to two further non-mandatory credits under SUR2.

• Ecology Surveys and Reports: We can deliver Ecological Reports - including site surveys - delivered by Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Chartered Environmentalists (CEnv), who are therefore qualified to assess for credits under the ECO1, ECO2, ECO3 and ECO4 criteria.
• CSH ENE7 Reporting/Renewables Feasibility Studies: As many sites are still being assessed under previous versions of the Code technical guidance, Stroma continues to offer cost-effective Renewables Feasibility Studies (‘ENE7 Report’) to gain credits through the ENE7 criterion; these are undertaken either in isolation or, for more cost-effective delivery, in parallel with our SAP assessment services. Under the November 2010 edition of the CSH technical guidance, ENE7 Reports can be generated through SAP: therefore where we are engaged to undertake SAP assessment we can provide CSH Reports free of charge.

Achieving your target Code for Sustainable Homes rating is straightforward with Stroma Technology. To discuss your specific project and how we can assist you, please call us on 0845 621 22 22 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .