L.B. Plastics has launched a free guide outlining the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) and explaining how to achieve a maximum six star rating using PVC windows and doors.

The “Towards Zero Carbon Homes” guide provides advice and guidance for housebuilders, homeowners, fabricators and social housing providers. It follows on from work carried out by the trade association for the UK plastics industry, the British Plastics Federation (BPF), which has been actively involved with both government and the Building Research Establishment (BRE), to emphasise the vital role plastic framed windows have in a low energy use property.

L.B. Plastics’ marketing director David Strang says, “The government has made a strategic decision to reduce carbon emissions in buildings, as part of its target to reduce CO2 emissions in general, and to help moderate the climatic changes brought about by global warming.

“There are a number of inter-related strands to this policy, which affect social housing providers, private housebuilders and all homeowners. This guide outlines the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes and demonstrates how Sheerframe PVC windows and doors can help to meet these requirements.”

The government introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes in April 2007 (effective in England only at this time) and this code is to form the basis for future Building Regulations in relation to carbon emissions and energy use. It goes beyond energy performance measures but energy performance is central to the CSH.

The Code for Sustainable Homes is based on a star rating system. One star is the entry level, which is recognised as higher than the existing minimum in the current Building Regulations. Six stars are currently designated as the highest level achievable.

Because Sheerframe PVC windows and doors can be provided with exceptional weather tightness and energy performance, using specialist glazing and construction methods, they can be central towards the achievement of a zero carbon home which requires a category six under the energy element in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Email: monica@partners-group.co.uk