Credits are awarded for various sub-categories within each main category. The total credits make up a points total which determines the Code level:

Code Level	Points required	Percentage improvement in DER/TER (CO2 emissions) over Part L1A of the 2010 Building Regulations
Level 3 ***	57	0%
Level 4 ****	68	25%
Level 5 *****	84	100%
Level 6 ******	90	zero carbon

Weighting
Categories are weighted differently, making some more valuable than others, as the graph below shows:

Credits obtained in each category are multiplied by the corresponding weighting factor to give the points achieved in that category.

Mandatory & Optional Credits
The Code contains several mandatory elements which must be achieved to gain compliance, plus other non-mandatory elements that help achieve the number of credits required.

The Mandatory Credits:

Ene1 (DER/TER)
Credits for reduction in DER/TER.
0% = 0 Credits, 8% = 1 Credit, 16% = 2 Credits,
25% = 3 Credits (level 4), 36% = 4 Credits.

Wat1 (Internal Water Use)
Max. 105 litres/person/day, level 3&4 (3 credits)
Max. 80 litres/person/day, level 5&6 (5 credits)
(NB. 90 litres/person/day = 4 credits).

Mat1 (Environmental Impact of Materials)
Based on BRE Green Guide. Materials used must be rated A+ to D
(for at least 3 of the main construction elements (roof, upper &
ground floors, internal & external walls, glazing).

Sur1 (Surface Water Run-off)
Post-development run-off should be no greater than pre-development.

Was1 (Household Waste)
Adequate storage, both internally and externally
for recycling and non-recycling bins/containers.
(100 litres for 1 bed + 70 litres per extra bedroom)

Hea4 (Lifetime Homes - Level 6 only)
Mandatory for CSH level 6 only, 4 credits available where all 
principles of Lifetime Homes, applicable to the dwelling being
assessed, have been complied with.

Our Service
Energycount are a team of experienced building consultants and surveyors with sound knowledge of a wide range of disciplines, particularly in the fields of energy-usage and sustainable design.

We provide numerous clients with a full service for Code Assessments, from the initial stages of your project right through to sign-off. We can provide your SAP assessments and arrange all associated surveys, etc. in order to produce a hassle-free experience.

We conduct Code assessments in 3 stages:

• Pre-assessment
  Initial guidance & advice to help achieve your required Code level. This is generally a discussion document to help with producing the best solution to achieve the desired Code level. In-house report issued where required by the planning authority.
  
  
• Design stage assessment
  Including site registration. The desired CSH solution is mapped out and submitted for accreditation. Evidence is gathered and calculators completed. Interim Certificate issued.
  
  
• Post-construction stage assessment
  As-built specifications and evidence gathered, checked and submitted. Final Certificate is issued.
  

Depending on your local authority you may be asked to provide a CSH pre-assessment with your application, or a request for an Interim Certficate may be made upon approval as a planning condition.

Whatever your requirement we can guide you through the process. We pride ourselves on our competitive fees and real-world, objective approach to assessments.

Simply call us or email details of your project: mail@energycount.co.uk