The code, designed to increased the environmental sustainability of new homes and give homeowners better information about the sustainability of their home, was announced by the government’s communities secretary Ruth Kelly. It sets out a star rating from one to six which can be applied to all new homes.
The system, based on BRE‘s EcoHomes scheme, will initially be voluntary but, from April 2008, the government wants to see mandatory code ratings for all new homes.
The UK Timber Frame Association‘s chief executive Bryan Woodley described the code as an encouraging sign for the future and said there was now a consensus for change between government, housebuilders, NGOs and suppliers, which presened a “real opportunity” for the timber industry.
BWF chief executive Richard Lambert said he thought the code would result in an increase in chain of custody certification in the joinery industry.
