Code Assessment: Why You Need Your House In Order.
Building properties at the highest level of the Code for Sustainable Homes is challenging, but understanding the code assessment process is also vitally important. Amanda Stevens, code assessor on the Tarmac Homes project outlines what RSLs need to consider.
You have to wear many hats as a code assessor. You must act as an adviser, be a conduit for policy and ultimately be an auditor. In my advisory capacity, I spend a lot of time ensuring that RSLs and housebuilders understand both areas of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) and the assessment process.
While questions about renewables naturally occupy clients’ minds at the highest levels of the Code, I find that areas such as Site Waste Management Plans are often overlooked by the industry.
This needs to change. Site Waste Management Plans are now a mandatory requirement for all sites. Importantly, they are not a ‘cut and paste’ exercise that can be applied to each locality - they should be individually developed for each situation.
The Code assessment procedure is also causing confusion. This is a two-stage process which should include: Design Stage Assessment (DSA) which leads to an Interim Certificate and a Post Construction Review (PCR) which certifies a property has met a specific level of the Code. Both stages, once completed by qualified code assessors are submitted online to the BRE’s Code for Sustainable Homes Automated Processing System.
Currently, in the UK there is a major discrepancy between the number of homes (across all levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes) achieving DSA certification and PCR certification. Industry reports reveal that a total of 843 DSAs have been certified for properties up to Code Level 5, yet there are only 34 properties that are certified at PCR stage.
These are worrying statistics. I suspect this is due to a combination of factors, including both issues surrounding data entry and the fact that simply not enough PCRs are being undertaken on completion of properties.
Receiving a DSA is only part of a two-stage Code assessment process and it is important that RSLs understand the importance of having a PCR completed at the end of the build. I would recommend that they check the requirements of their planning consents, which on many occasions will stipulate that both a DSA and PCR must be completed.
I would also advise that RSLs should try to use the same code assessor for PCRs. While I am not suggesting that continuity and familiarity leads to a pass, there are clear benefits from being able to draw upon the input and advice of a qualified code assessor throughout a build.
On the Tarmac Homes project, both properties are on course to achieve Code Level 4 and 6, respectively. I am proud to be involved with a project that demonstrates it is possible to build low cost, zero-carbon homes using traditional masonry materials which is a major achievement. I am looking forward to getting on site later in the year to finalise the PCR.
