The Code for Sustainable Homes came into effect in England in April. There is no doubt that it will be good for timber, but it would be wrong to assume that, just because timber can tick all the sustainability boxes, the market is somehow up for grabs. Compliance with the Code is measurable on a point-by-point basis and forward-thinking timber suppliers should be quick to take advantage of this.

It is widely acknowledged that the Code forms part of the government’s response to concerns about global warming and its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. Based on many of the principles contained within the Ecohomes scheme, which it replaces in new housing, the Code is voluntary for both public and private housing developers. In practice, however, to access Housing Corporation funding, all social housing will have to achieve at least a three-star rating. English Partnerships (EP), too, will lay down the same minimum requirements, so developers seeking land from EP will find that compliance with the code becomes necessary.

Developers can achieve ratings from one to six stars, calculated on a points out of 100 basis across nine categories. There is flexibility in how points are achieved, but some performance aspects are compulsory.

Earning points

Gathering points will be painstaking. The maximum points available in any one category – not surprisingly for Energy/CO2 – are 35.6 (leaving two-thirds or so to be found elsewhere). Nowhere else, however, can so many points be picked up at once – it’s a matter of gathering four here, or two there. The devil is in the detail.

Insulation will have an important part to play and we will probably see new products developed, based on different physical principles than the traditional materials used, such as polystyrene and mineral wool. Floor and wall constructions, too, will change. Timber suppliers take note: studs will get bigger, with 140mm and larger likely to replace 89mm as the norm. Solar shading will be another opportunity for timber suppliers.

The five major building elements – roof, external walls, internal walls, floors and windows – must achieve A+ or possibly A ratings as defined in the new Green Guide (published by BRE in a short-term version at the end of April). Market your products accordingly. Joinery manufacturers should be aware, too, that developers can pick up 2.2 points in the ‘Management’ category by installing Secured by Design-tested windows and doorsets.

Responsible sourcing

Proof of responsible sourcing of materials can give a maximum of 2.7 points. Timber with chain of custody certification under the FSC, PEFC, CSA or SFI schemes will score more credits and so more points than other schemes. Every point will count, however, so demand for certified timber will grow.

Developers can also pick up 2.4 easy points just by providing “safe, secure and weather proof’ cycle storage” for at least 95% of the properties in a development (and provision of home office facilities is worth another 1.2). Timber shed suppliers should review their catalogue: do you offer sheds that cycles can be stored in, however awkward it is to get your bike in and out, or custom-made cycle storage?

Bear in mind that this is only happening in England at present. Rumour suggests that Wales will adopt the Code and set an even shorter time-frame for achieving ‘zero carbon’, but nothing is confirmed. Northern Ireland has given no indication at all as yet, but it tends to follow England and Wales. Scotland has no intention of using the Code itself, although it has incorporated into May 2007 revisions of its own building standards elements of the Code it considers worth making mandatory.

Whatever the outcome, the Code will pave the way both for standards to be raised over the next 10 years and for increased regulatory requirements as the market seeks to find improved energy solutions.

For further information visit www.TRADA.co.uk. A full copy of the Code for Sustainable Homes is available from www.planningportal.gov.uk.