The Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) is an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes in a two-stage process (design stage and post construction stage) using objective criteria and verification. It is a national standard for use in the design and construction of new homes, with a view to encouraging continuous improvement in sustainable home building. Where Building Regulations apply, compliance is necessary at all times. The results of the CfSH assessment are recorded on a certificate assigned to the dwelling.

Midland Ecology can work with you to carry out a CfSH assessment for Ecology, one of the nine categories of sustainable design covered by CfSH. The ecologist makes a site visit prior to the commencement of initial site preparation works and makes recommendations based on the existing site ecology with the following aims:

- To promote development on land that already has a limited value to wildlife, and discourage the development of ecologically valuable sites.

- To enhance the ecological value of a site.

- To promote the protection of existing ecological features from substantial damage during the clearing of the site and the completion of construction works.

- To minimise reductions and promote an improvement in ecological value.

- To promote the most efficient use of a building’s footprint by ensuring that land and material use is optimised across the development.

We will then make a return visit post construction to confirm that these recommendations have been implemented and calculate a CODE rating for the development.

The cost of a CfSH survey is determined by the size of the site to be surveyed. Our fee includes the desk study, 2 site visits and the production of a report, with associated costs (e.g. mileage, expenses) all included. Call us on 0121 517 0841 or e-mail us for a more detailed quote.