In 2010 Code level 3 compliance is mandatory for public and private sector new-build residences, including flats and houses, effectively making redundant the use of code levels 1 and 2.
Currently, compliance with higher levels of the Code is voluntary, with a long-term view for step-change increases. However, landowners and agents are already selling sites with stipulations to build at a certain Code level.
The extra-over cost of building to Code Level 3 is valued between around £2000-3000, additionally the Code assessment costs around £2000 for a small project, the total cost of this is typically under 5% of a standard build.[SUP]
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From 1st May 2008 it would be mandatory for all new homes to have a rating against the Code when houses are sold, it is mandatory for them to have an Energy Performance Certificate. If there has not been an assessment carried out, then a zero rating is given. This provides an incentive for developers to reach a higher rating. In fact more and more companies are including the Code and BREEAM in their corporate policy.
Code levels pertaining to energy require a Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) a certain percentage higher than the Target Emission Rate (TER) as set in Part L1A of the Building Regulations. October 2010 saw Part L TER standards rise equivalent to Code level 3. Since this change Code level 4 requires 25% DER improvement over Part L1A TER standards and code level 6 is 100% improvement i.e. thermally twice as efficient. It is also anticipated that the Building Regulations as well as the minimum mandatory Code level will continue to improve until the 2016 target of 'net zero CO[SUB]2[/SUB] emissions' per annum standard.
