About

EcoHomes is a version of BREEAM for homes; however it was superseded by the Code for Sustainable Homes for all new build dwellings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in April 2007. Currently, EcoHomes is still used for assessing new build dwellings in Scotland and is also used to assess the refurbishment of dwellings throughout the UK.

EcoHomes assesses a development on a “whole site” basis (unlike the Code, which assesses each dwelling individually, as well as the site) against eight categories to provide an overall development rating; all elements are optional to enable flexibility within sustainable design.

The categories are as follows:

• Energy
• Transport
• Pollution
• Materials
• Water
• Ecology
• Health & Wellbeing
• Management

The environmental performance is then rated as Pass, Good, Very Good or Excellent.

EcoHomes assessments can be carried out in two phases: the design stage and post construction stage (although the PCS may not be mandatory in all cases).

Eco Energy and Environmental is licensed to carry out EcoHomes assessments and has been doing so since 2004.