Code for Sustainable Homes   Training   Software   Accreditation   Nil Rating Certificate

Code for Sustainable Homes   All new dwellings now require a mandatory rating against the Code for Sustainable Homes. Previously, this voluntary rating system was restricted to a handful of environmentally conscious developers. The introduction of this standard marks the start of a new era for residential architecture by aiming to make all UK homes carbon neutral by 2050. It is owned by CLG and has become a mandatory rating system as of 1st May 2008. The code introduces minimum standards for energy and environmental factors affecting the sustainability of a home. Ratings assess the dwelling on a scale of zero to six stars rating, level 6 being carbon neutral. The code is organised into the following categories: Energy Water Materials Surface water run-off Waste (household and site construction) Pollution Health & Well-being Management Ecology Ratings against the code will be mandatory for all dwellings from 2008 either in the form of a Nil or a 0-6 star rating, which may be assessed at design stage but must be assessed on completion of construction to obtain Final Certification. The Government are committed to cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050, (relative to 1990 levels). Introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes will have a significant impact toward achieving this target, the code also address’s other significant environmental issues relating to how we build and live in our homes. Stroma Accreditation     Annual Membership £345 ex vat Lodgment £35 ex vat For sites containing 300 dwellings or more, lodgment fee is £30 per dwelling.       Stroma Training Options     Designer Awareness £695 ex vat   Assessor Training (Includes the exam) £995 ex vat         Software Solutions     Stroma software £FREE     For course dates and more information please contact us on 0845 621 11 11, email csh@stroma.com or download the application form and information pack below.     Code Training     All new Code Assessors will need to attend approved training courses and pass an exam. Thereafter, they – like all existing Code Assessors - will need to join a Code for Sustainable Homes accreditation scheme. The training comprises: Online Home Study preparation information, Including: The calculation software required for assessments The Green Guide Ratings The Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide 3 days of face to face training: With workshops A 3 hour examination Full set of calculation tools and other software templates required Rewarded for report completion Becoming a member of the Stroma Accreditation Scheme offers continued support through free of charge CPD events, monthly technical bulletins, free upgrade(s) to software tools plus free advertising / listing.   “The training was carried out by Keith Ferguson and Steve Marriott who we felt were both knowledgeable and helpful in explaining the complexities of the Code and its implications on our projects. Each section of the Code was explained in details and our questions were answered in a professional manner where we had concerns over certain areas. The three days which included the exam covered the topic in detail and has greatly assisted us in understanding the Code” Darren Schofield Technical Manager Bellway Homes Limited The courses are predominantly held at Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester, However for larger bookings of four or more locations can be arranged to suit your requirements (at your office). For more information on course fees or to receive an information pack on this or any other course please contact csh@stroma.com, phone 0845 621 1111  or register online to login to our site.           Code Software       Stroma Accreditation has developed Code for Sustainable Homes software, it is available to download and try but you must be accredited to lodge an assessment. The software provides several key facilities for example:   1. Requirements Evaluation, based on the desired code level. The assessor has the option to select the target specification of 1 - 6 rating. The calculator will then assign the minimum mandatory standards required per section.   2. Automatic Report Generation, customised to the dwellings status. a. Pre-Assessment b. Design Assessment c. Post Construction   3. Online Syncronisation, facility for users to upload reports and current status information. Acting as a backup system but also enabling clients to view the current status and reports of their development.   4. Real Time Certification, connected to the online systems, certification and lodgment once completed is available automatically through Stroma online services. This software is intended as an aid for practicing CSH Assessors to produce precise reports in real time controlled within a structured environment. It is imperative for users to have a full understanding of the Code. Free Code for Sustainable Homes Software Please note you will need Microsoft Dot Net framework installed on your computer, you can find the necessary files here, please contact your system administrator if you do not have the necessary privileges.   All Scheme members will be provided with regular CPD events and monthly technical bulletins ensuring that all members are fully kept aware of all required legislative obligations and other significant material. For more information on course fees or to receive an information pack on this or any other course please contact csh@stroma.com, phone 0845 621 1111 or register online to login to our site.           Code Accreditation     All Code assessments have to be lodged with an accredited scheme and undertaken by a licensed Code Assessor. They shall undergo regular quality assurance surveillance on behalf of CLG. In order to become a licensed Code Assessor you must first pass the Stroma accredited examination, and then complete the application form for Accreditation Scheme Membership. Stroma, on behalf of CLG, undertake the regular Quality Assurance surveillance in order to ensure that all assessments are undertaken to high standards as required.   Benefits of Stroma Accreditation Stroma approved by CLG to run Accreditation schemes offer all the strands across the ‘Energy Performance in Buildings Directive’ EPBD. The Stroma Accreditation Scheme will provide Member Assessors with: Ongoing technical support, Dedicated contact points via telephone & email CPD assistance to ensure all members are fully qualified to conduct energy assessments Access to industry experts Provision of standards, procedures, a code of conduct and all materials required Member site listing, Stroma undertake marketing activity on behalf of all scheme members. Member Packs with registered Photo ID card Stroma Accreditation Members Area A dedicated log in site where you can access: Lodgment Management, upload view and store individual EPC data with automatic submission to Landmark. Software Updates Legal Updates Accreditation Documentation Events CPD’s Q & A All Scheme members will be provided with regular CPD events and monthly technical bulletins ensuring that all members are fully kept aware of all required legislative obligations and other significant material. For more information on course fees or to receive an information pack on this or any other course please contact csh@stroma.com, phone 0845 621 1111 or register online to login to our site.           Nil-rated certificate: background and guide to completing the certificate   Background   The Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) is an assessment and rating system for new homes. It aims to improve the overall sustainability of new homes by establishing a single national framework within which the home building industry can design and construct homes to higher environmental standards.   It is now compulsory for every new home in England to have a rating against the Code and for information on this rating to be provided to prospective purchasers through the HIP. This rating will make it clear whether the home has been built to the Code or not, and if it has, what standard it has achieved.   The HIP will either have to contain i) a certificate (or interim certificate) showing the rating that the home has received in respect of the Code or ii) a nil-rated certificate showing that the home has only been designed to meet current Building Regulations.   Where a home has been built to the Code, a Code certificate showing the star rating will be available from the licensed Code Assessor who carried out the assessment. Where the home has not been built to the Code, the nil-rated certificate, provided free of charge here, can be downloaded, completed and included in the HIP.   Completing the Nil-rated Certificate   The nil-rated certificate is available to download here in two forms: 1) a locked Word document and 2) a pdf file. There are three areas on the forms that will need to be completed before a certificate can be included in the HIP: - the address - the developer’s name - the date the certificate was produced. An example of a completed certificate can be downloaded here. The pdf file can be downloaded here. A word version is here.

To apply for the Code for Sustainable Homes qualification course you will need the application form if you are applying through the prior learning route you will need the APEL application form.

	CSH APEL Information Pack CSH APEL Application Form CSH Qualification Information Pack CSH Qualification Application Form	CSH Booklet CSH Flyer Setting the standard in sustainability for new homes Code for Sustainable Homes - Nil rated certificate
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