Code for Sustainable Homes Helps Fight Climate Change

By: Tal Potishman

The British government is keen to enhance its green credentials and has recently set stretching targets for CO2 emissions reduction. Within this plan the government has introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes which, among other issues, has important implications on the plumbing and heating industry in the UK, both for new build projects and re-developments of existing housing stock.
Part L1A of the building regulations is currently in force. In effect it already defines a set of targets for each property's carbon dioxide emission. The property developers have to prove in advance that once it is fully built, the property will emit less than or equal to the carbon emission target.
Launched in 2005, Part L1A set a target of 20% reduction in carbon emissions for new housing developments. The new Code for Sustainable Homes further builds on that to set a six-level basis of evaluation. Level one demands at least 10% carbon emissions reduction, with level six demanding 'Zero Carbon' buildings. By 2016, the government has set a target of 100% reduction in carbon emissions which is equal to level five.
A points system is used to determine each property's score. 57 points are sufficient for level three, while 90 points are required to meet level six standards. To work out the score, each component in the property is evaluated on its energy efficiency and carbon emissions performance.
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.
In order to reach the new targets, some developers are voting for renewable energy technologies. For example a solar water heating system generates hot water with almost no carbon emissions. The system can be further enhanced by a high efficiency boiler or a hot water cylinder with an immersion heater to provide a reliable backup for the winters (with short and cold days).
Although currently the code mainly talks about new build projects, experts urge the government to apply the code in retrofits as well. Replacing an old boiler with a new high efficiency boiler will reduce the carbon emissions but also will help the home owners reduce their heating bills. An A rated boiler, such as a modern condensing boiler will reduce the emissions and cut the heating bills by around 30%. Similarly, a well insulated hot water cylinder will cut the heat loss and reduce heating bills further, compared with an old inefficient cylinder.
To ensure a successful launch, it is important to verify that the UK heating industry is well prepared for the implication of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Furthermore it is expected that the Code will have a direct impact on the building regulations to be introduced in 2010 further affecting the industry.
The know how and technological skills in the UK are of a high level, which should help the introduction and implementation of such high efficiency technologies. The latest renewable technologies promise great efficiency at a reasonable price thus making more appealing to the wider population.

Article Source: http://www.dxarticle.com

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about high efficiency boilers, Bristol plumbers, central heating, underfloor heating and solar systems. He specializes in helping save money by consulting on efficient heating

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