RICS condemns sustainable homes code

The RICS today confirmed the new sustainable code for homes released by the government.

RICS head of public policy, Brian Berry said: "This Code will only affect at best less than 1% of the entire housing stock - hardly the radical, urgent action that is needed to create a low carbon environment. What about the remaining 99% of the housing stock ? This is the big white elephant in the sustainability debate which the Government continues to ignore. As long as the Government continues to make these meaningless PR gestures, they will maintain an aura of weakness amongst industry and the public."

The final version for the Code for Sustainable Homes was outlined by communities minister Ruth Kelly this morning. The Code will replace EcoHomes for new homes in England from 1 April 2007 and it will be mandatory for all new homes from April 2008.

The Code will have six levels of performance and the most sustainable homes will be given a six-star rating.