Cracking the Code with Stroma
With the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) pumping £8.4 billion into the housing sector as part of the National Affordable Housing Programme (NAHP), there has never been greater incentive for housing associations to step up sustainable practice.
Each of the 150,000 affordable homes which the programme will grant fund between 2008 and 2011 has to achieve a minimum of Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 in order to comply with the HCA’s core quality standards. However, the HCA states that those aiming for higher levels (level 4 or 5) are more likely to qualify and are, in fact, incentivised to go beyond the minimum requirements through the grant index mechanism. Not only are sustainable developments more likely to receive HCA funding, they will also ultimately benefit the housing association because of increased tenant satisfaction due to improved comfort levels and lower property running costs.
In-depth knowledge of the Code and the practical and cost-effective ways of meeting its requirements is the key to capitalising on this opportunity. Stroma can deliver detailed presentations specifically for housing associations wishing to know more about the Code, outlining the technicalities of the legislation and offering advice and assistance on implementation.
Moreover, Stroma is one of two providers approved by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) to offer training and accreditation membership packages for the Code. Two training courses are available: Code Assessor or Designer Awareness, which provides candidates with the sound understanding of the rating system required during the initial planning stages to assist in the achievement of the target rating.
Stroma has also developed a user-friendly Code for Sustainable Homes software package which is available free of charge for all Stroma-registered assessors. Also due to launch is the Stroma CPD channel, an online subscription service providing members with unlimited access to an ever-increasing catalogue of topical CPD sessions.
Other benefits of the accreditation scheme include certification turnaround within 7 working days, a technical helpline manned by experienced assessors and a website members' area.
