Launched by the Government in 2007, CODE for Sustainable Homes replaces Eco-Homes as the National standard to be used in the design and construction of new-build residential properties in England.

CODE is a set of sustainable design principles covering performance in 9 key areas with mandatory performance requirements in 6 categories (M):

CODE uses a rating system of 1-6 stars and involves two phases:

Design Stage Report, which is based on detailed documentary evidence and commitments which results in an interim certificate of compliance. Post Construction Report which is based on the design stage report and includes a confirmation of compliance, including site records and visual inspection. This is submitted to the Building Research Establishment to provide a final code certificate.

Developers wishing to lead the field in sustainable development will want to have their developments assessed under CODE as soon as possible in the project life cycle to achieve as high a code as possible.