As part of its strategy to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions, the UK government has introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes. The code covers many important issues, but one of them has particular relevance to the plumbing and heating industry in the UK. It will impact both new building developments and existing building retrofits.



According to the Code for Sustainable Homes, a new property will be scored against a carbon emissions target. The property has to show that once built the real emissions from it would be equal to or below this target. This is the currently enforced procedure, based on Part L1A of the building regulations.

Part L1A was set out in 2005, calling for a reduction of 20% in carbon emissions in new buildings. However the Code defines six levels of reduction in carbon emissions with level one demanding 10% up to level six which demands 'Zero Carbon' dwellings. The government has set a target that by 2016 all new homes will have to comply with level five, which states 100% reduction in emissions.

The levels reached per dwelling are based on a points system, which evaluates each property according to the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of its components. A score of 57 is required for meeting level three, while not less than 90 points are required to meet level six.

It is fair to say that water heating systems currently available in the UK can meet the standard for medium levels within the Code. Still there is work to be done to make the heating systems efficient enough to meet the requirements for the top most levels, such as levels five and six.

One way of meeting the demand is by using renewable energy sources. For example, a level four in the Code requires a high ratio of such sustainable energy systems. Solar thermal systems are highly effective and emit virtually no carbon. Winter heating (when the days are short), will be supplemented by a gas boiler or a hot water tank with an immersion heater.

It would arguably make sense to apply the Code not only to new buildings but also to retrofit and on-going repairs. Replacing an old boiler with a high efficiency unit, or an old cylinder with a highly insulated one, would reduce heating bills and reduce carbon emissions. A brand new high efficiency boiler, such as an A rated condensing boiler, can reduce the emissions and heating bills by around 30%. Along the same line, a modern well insulated cylinder will retain the heat of the hot water overnight unlike an old poorly insulated tank.

It is likely that the Code for Sustainable Homes will influence the building regulations that are planned to be launched in 2010. As such, it is crucial that the Code is carefully worked out and that the UK heating industry is fully prepared for it well in advance to ensure a successful roll out.

Engineering and technological capabilities in the UK are high, giving the government comfort in the ability of the sector to roll out the high efficiency technologies. What's more, the new technologies become ever more attractive to the public as prices drop while performance levels improve.