On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched. 

By integrating elements of this voluntary Code into new homes and obtaining assessments against the Code, developers will be able to obtain a ‘star rating’ for any new home which will demonstrate its environmental performance. 

It will provide valuable information to home buyers, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms. 

The Code for Sustainable Homes was launched as part of a package of measures towards zero carbon development, including an overaching consulation: Building a greener future on the shift to zero carbon; and a consultation on the draft of a new Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change.

Full Technical Guidance on how to comply with the Code will be published in April 2007.

 For more information please visit the Planning Portal website.