Trewin Design has built a reputation for its expertise and enthusiasm for sustainable design. Our environmental policy commits us to delivering cost effective sustainable solutions on all our projects and this helps to produce buildings with lower running costs. We have our own Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor (CSH) and we work closely with BREEAM assessors and are used to achieving impressive results. Many of our current housing projects are attaining Code Levels four and above.

The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon the broad environmental concerns of climate change, resource use and impact on wildlife and balances these against the need for a high quality of life and a safe and healthy internal environment. The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind. The Code uses a 1-6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home.

Compliance with the Code has been mandatory for publicly funded homes in England from April 2007, but has been voluntary within the private sector. From the 1st May 2008 a mandatory rating against the code must be given to all new houses.

The key design categories that are assessed within the Code are;

• Energy Efficiency/ CO2 Emissions
• Water Efficiency
• Responsible sourcing and specification of Materials
• Surface water run-off
• Waste Management
• Pollution
• Health & Well-being
• Management
• Ecology

Code assessments are undertaken by our licensed assessor David Tithecott MRICS, who is trained and licensed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). All assessments are covered by the BRE’s quality assurance procedures to ensure a consistent approach and high level of service.

The code for sustainable homes, is a useful tool for the building industry. It enables developers to demonstrate the level of sustainability that a development has been built to and it gives consumers confidence in what they are buying.

The code will help people who want to be green consumers, it will tell them, not just about their future fuel bills, but also about the quality of their homes and local environment. Something they are investing in for many years to come.

Our Service
As the criteria in meeting the Code requirements is quite extensive our service seeks to make the assessment as easy as possible for you. We will discuss the project with you and assist you during the design stage and carry out an initial appraisal of the information relating to your project.
We will issue a guidance report giving you an early indicative score and advising you what further options are available to you to reach your desired rating.