Domestic Property

Energy Performance Certificates for homes

Almost all buildings require an EPC certificate on construction, sale or rent. These certificates aim to give the prospective buyer or tenant an indication of the energy efficiency of the building; they also provide recommendations on how it might be improved. Rated from "A" to "G" an "A" rating building will have lower energy consumption and carbon emissions than a "G". Active Energy are accredited and licensed by the Dept of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to provide Energy Performance Certificates for all types of domestic property and provide advice on low carbon improvement solutions for homes and commercial property.

Code for Sustainable Homes

The Code for Sustainable Homes introduces minimum standards for energy and water efficiency at every level of the new national standard. The Code measures the sustainability of a home against key design categories, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The minimum standards for Code compliance have been set above the requirements of Building Regulations and new homes can achieve a rating on a scale of one to six 'Code Levels' depending on the standard achieved.

The key design categories included within the Code are:

• Energy

  

• Water
• Materials
• Surface water run-off
• Waste
• Pollution
• Health & Well-being
• Management
• Ecology

The Code builds on the EcoHomes system, and apart from the above design categories, it also includes new areas of sustainability design, such as Lifetime Homes and the inclusion of composting facilities and dedicated storage for cycles. Homes are assessed at design stage in a similar manner to that of the EcoHomes system, but additionally require verification at post-completion stage.

Code assessments are carried out in three phases:

Code Pre-assesment

Based on your aspirations we provide advice on how to work towards the Code

Design Stage Review

Based on design drawings, specifications and commitments
Results in interim certificate of compliance

Post Construction Review

Based on the design stage review
Confirmation of compliance including site records and visual inspection.