EcoHomes
Launched in 2000, EcoHomes soon became mandatory for social housing in 2003 of which a ‘Good’ rating was shortly replaced in 2005 by a ‘Very Good’ rating. Over 200,000 homes have been certified since its launch. In April 2007 the Government's scheme, the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced EcoHomes for the assessment of ‘new’ housing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
EcoHomes Announcement for ‘New Build’ only
Due to the introduction of the Code, the EcoHomes scheme for 'new build' is now due to expire on the 8th of April 2012. Therefore, anybody wishing to continue building to the EcoHomes standard due to either planning or funding requirements should take into consideration the following:
- Any registered EcoHomes 2006 assessments submitted to BRE Global for certification prior to 8th April 2012 will receive a certificate for that assessment.
- Any EcoHomes 2006 project registered prior to 8th of April 2012, but submitted after this expiry date – will receive a certificate with a disclaimer stating that the certificate is issued against an expired scheme.
- Any EcoHomes 2006 project registered after the 8th of April 2012 (due to planning or funding requirements) will not receive a certificate, but will instead be issued a letter of compliance. A new fee structure will be put in place closer to that time.
EcoHomes used for ‘Refurbishment’
EcoHomes can also be used for major refurbishments such as conversion projects and change of use, but the scheme is due to be superseded when the new BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment scheme is launched in 2012. Until then, EcoHomes 2006 ‘refurbishment’ registrations will remain valid until the launch of the new scheme at which point an expiry date will be set for final registrations and certification.
EcoHomes Pre-Assessment Estimator
The Ecohomes Pre-Assessment Estimator can be used to understand the issues covered by an EcoHomes rating and to see the level of information required by an Assessor. To download a copy of the Pre-Assessment Estimator, go to the Resources section of this website and follow the pre-assessement hyperlink on the right hand side.
EcoHomes XB
EcoHomesXB is also available as a voluntary stock management tool for housing portfolio owners to measure the performance of their whole stock. Please refer to the EcoHomesXB webpage for further information.
If you require any further information regarding the new build expiry and the replacement Code for Sustainable Homes scheme, please either contact your EcoHomes or Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor. Alternatively, you can email the BREEAM office at BREEAM@bre.co.uk or telephone 01923 664462.
N.B. The above does not apply to EcoHomes 2006 assessments in Scotland (new build or refurbishment). EcoHomes is still a valid/current scheme for projects registered there. Projects outside of the UK should continue to use BREEAM International Bespoke.
