The Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) was introduced in April 2007 as a voluntary standard in England. The Code awards new homes a 1 to 6 star rating based upon their performance against nine sustainability criteria (including energy efficiency) and gives an indication of the impact of the new home on the environment.

When the Code was launched, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) proposed that, from April 2008 onwards, all new homes should be required to have a Code rating.

The DCLG received a favourable response to that proposal and issued a consultation on the details of how to implement a mandatory rating system: The Future of the Code for Sustainable Homes - Making a Rating Mandatory. For information on the consultation, see Legal update, Consultation on a mandatory sustainable development rating for new homes.

On 16 November, the DCLG published a summary of the responses to the consultation: The Future of the Code for Sustainable Homes - Making a Rating Mandatory: Summary of Responses (DCLG). The responses showed extensive support for a mandatory rating system. The Government therefore proposes to introduce mandatory ratings, possibly from April 2008, but the timing of this will be announced shortly. The majority of the responses to the consultation were in favour of mandatory ratings being included in home information packs.