Ecowise - Accredited Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors.
As an organisation, Ecowise not only carry out EcoHomes and Code for Sustainable Homes assessments, but offer a full bespoke package alongside for the Architect and the Developer.
Having evaluated the whole Code assessment system, Ecowise have produced a range of succinct documents to guide the process along from the offset, specific to each stage of the assessment.
Importantly, these documents are designed to create a clear picture of your needs right at the start of development. This will allow Ecowise to provide an individually tailored service to maximise your rating potential in the most cost effective way.
From first contact Ecowise will start to pinpoint all the areas of the Code where you and you client will need assistance. We will then provide a range of services and consultancy to ensure that all the required information is correctly and efficiently taken care of.
Please contact us using the link below for details of our CSH services, and how we can help you with a pre-build credit strategy, or telephone us on: 0800 707 6586 (during office hours)
Code For Sustainable Homes
In April 2007, the Code replaced Ecohomes for the assessment of new housing in England. The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon BRE Global's Ecohomes and contains mandatory performance levels in 7 key areas.
The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind. BRE Global and CLG have worked closely together to ensure that the Code meets the latest regulatory requirements and addresses issues that emerged from an earlier industry-wide consultation.
Scope and Scoring
Many housebuilders who have used Ecohomes will find the credit system of the Code familiar. Users will notice that there are new mandatory minimum levels of performance that have been introduced across 7 key issues:
- Energy efficiency/CO2
- Water efficiency
- Surface water management
- Site waste management
- Household waste management
- Use of materials
- Lifetime homes (applies to Code Level 6 only)
The Code has a scoring system of six levels. The different levels are made up by achieving both the appropriate mandatory minimum standards together with a proportion of the ‘flexible' standards.
Compliance
Assessments are carried out in two phases:
- a) An initial assessment and interim certification is carried out at the design stage. This is based on design drawings, specifications and commitments which results in interim certificate of compliance.
- b) Final assessment and certification is carried out after construction. Based on the design stage review, this includes a confirmation of compliance including site records and visual inspection.
What Ecowise Can Provide:
Ecowise offer an appraisal and reporting service to advise you on the likely rating a development could achieve based on the current design, prior to our involvement.
Stand Alone Assessments:
Ecowise can carry out a stand alone design stage assessment on your development and evaluate the rating for EcoHomes and Code certifications. Ecowise also provide a consultancy service to maximise the rating a development can achieve, including:
- Design advice and guidance on improvements which could be implemented.
- Guidance reports and information advising you how to comply with credit requirements for the BREEAM assessment.
- Details of the information which will need to be gathered for the assessment submission, the collation of which Ecowise will take responsibility for
- Support and advice from an assessor throughout the whole project, from design stage to post construction.
- Final assessment and certification of the development – Design Stage and Post Construction.
- SAP Assessments
- Renewable energy feasibility study
- Ecology report
- Developers specification (sections required for the Code // EcoHomes assessments)
- Homeowners pack (at completion stage), including EPC (Energy Performance Certificates)
- Post construction review (required for issue of certificates)
- Water calculations
- Daylighting calculations
If you would like more information about any of the services we offer, or if you would like to discuss your project or request a Code for Sustainable Homes assessment, please either
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, or telephone us during office hours on : 0800 707 6586
CSH and BREEAM Assessors
Ecowise require even more qualified Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM (Offices and Schools) Assessors - to join our expanding team.
Requirements:
- Qualified Code for Sustainable Homes, BREEAM Offices or Schools Assessor
- Working knowledge of the construction industry, in particular with experience of sustainable design
- Highly motivated to work independently and on their own initiative
- Ability to manage their projects and develop client relationships
- Valid driving licence and prepared to travel
We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals, with excellent organisation and communication skills.
To apply either:
- Complete our online application form here.
- Send your CV and a covering letter to info@ecowise.co.uk.
- Or call us during office hours on the number at the top of the page.
Click here to make an online enquiry regarding our services.
or call 01603 864796 (during office hours)
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British are "bored" with Climate Change
A new energy report suggests that British people are less environmentally conscious than they were five years ago.
4 out of 10 britons take no action at all to reduce their household carbon emissions, and twice as many people are now "bored" by talk of climate change as in 2005. Experts warn that green fatigue is one of the major reasons as to why there are more cars on the roads, more planes in the sky and no reductions in the mountain of packaging waste. The report reveals that too few people are making an effort to reduce their household CO2 emissions and environmentalists believe the recession is further undermining public commitment.
The report, by market researchers Mintel, shows that many of Britain's 26 million homes fail to make simple adjustments such as switching off lights, turning down thermostats, and switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The findings also reveal that people are less willing to spend money on energy-efficient appliances than they were five years ago. Analysts believe the recession together with a backlash against "extreme" environmentalist pressure has reduced people's enthusiasm to combat climate change.
The report also found that resistance to saving the planet was greater among men; one in four said they think there is too much concern over the environment, compared with one in six women.
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More information on the 2016 definition of "Zero Carbon".
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps announced additional information about the new definition of "Zero Carbon".
The Government plans to investigate setting up a community energy fund which will be used to pay for district heating and renewable energy schemes.
Developers who pay into the fund will not have to install onsite renewables or microgeneration equipment. Many developers have welcomed the flexibility of paying into a fund rather than grappling with renewables on each site.
However, the full definition of 'zero-carbon' has once again been delayed. This is despite a pre-election promise to get the definition of zero carbon finalised “within weeks” of getting into office.
The new Government Housing Minister has recently announced that the coalition will review the level of on-site renewables required - before publishing the final definition of the standard, which all new homes will have to reach after 2016.
In the announcement, the Minister also re-affirmed his commitment to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016 and confirmed the introduction of the ‘Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard' which requires a minimum standard in relation to insulation levels and air tightness and thermal bridging in buildings.
Zero carbon is required of all Code for Sustainable Homes level six homes. Clarification of what zero carbon will mean is still to be decided.
If you require assistance with your Code for Sustainable Homes level requirements, contact Ecowise - we are a fully accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessment organisation.
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
