The Code for Sustainable Homes has replaced EcoHomes in England from April 2007 and introduces minimum standards for energy and water efficiency at every level of the new national standard.

On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed mandatory rating against the Code will be implemented for new homes from 1 May 2008. The latest Code For Sustainable Homes Version November 2010 has been released.

The latest Code for Sustainable Homes requires SAP 2009 compliance Part L 2010. Code measures the sustainability of a home against key design categories, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. Code uses a 0 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home.

When addressing Code, it is vital to be aware of the minimum standards set. The minimum standards for Code compliance have been set above the requirements of building regulations. The energy element of Code is based on percentage improvements over building regulations, so big improvements will clearly be visible.

The minimum standards that exist are for energy efficiency & water efficiency at every level of the Code and at entry level for other key sustainability design features (materials, surface water run-off and waste management.) These are particularly stringent compared to EcoHomes and will require early attention.

The Code builds on the EcoHomes system, and apart from the above design categories, it also includes new areas of sustainability design, such as Lifetime Homes and the inclusion of composting facilities.

The Code also gives new homebuyers better information about the environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.