How does it relate to other tools?
- Does the Checklist fit with Design Quality Indicators and other sustainability tools?
- How are Ecohomes and BREEAM included in the Checklist, and does the Code for Sustainable Homes fit in?
Does the Checklist fit with Design Quality Indicators and other sustainability tools?
The Checklist is designed specifically for use within the Planning System. Therefore it is currently unable to address Building Control issues, some procurement issues, the construction process itself and the operation of the development once it is complete. Since the Checklist deals with planning issues, it is complementary to tools which address other parts of the construction process (Constructing Excellence benchmarking KPI’s for the Construction process, the ICE Demolition Protocol for example). Some other tools, such as Sustainability Works, give a wider overview of sustainability in the construction process, although these not linked to regional planning policy.
Tools such as “Adapting to climate change – a checklist for development” and “Design Quality Indicators” provide useful additional depth on issues covered more generally within the Checklist. The Developer and Local Planning Authority may wish to consider their use where issues are of particular significance. We provide references to some of these tools elsewhere in the guidance.
Widely used tools and standards such as the Urban Design Compendium (English Partnerships) and the more recent CABE Building for Life standards have been incorporated into the Checklist wherever possible and detailed sources of reference and guidance are signposted within the Checklist. We welcome suggestions for additional inclusions.
How are Ecohomes and BREEAM included in the Checklist, and how does Code for Sustainable Homes fit in?
The Checklist is designed specifically for use in planning applications at the development level, rather than at the level of the individual building. However the performance of individual buildings makes a considerable contribution to the sustainability of the community, so a section entitled “Buildings” has been included in the Checklist. Rather than duplicate the main industry standard sustainability assessment tools for buildings (BREEAM and the BRE’s Code for Sustainable Homes), we have simply enabled developers and local planning authorities to incorporate scores from these into the Buildings section of the Checklist.
Ecohomes is a version of BREEAM for homes that was replaced in England by the Code for Sustainable Homes in April 2007. EcoHomes 2006 continues to be used for refurbished housing projects in England and for all housing in Scotland and Wales. It provides an authoritative rating for converted or renovated homes, and covers houses, flats and apartments.
There are two potential areas of overlap between BREEAM and the Checklist – these are Transport and Ecology. We have tried to ensure that overlapping questions are consistent so that the Developer provides a single answer for both. Work is ongoing between BRE, ODPM and other partners to provide as smooth a link between the tools as possible and we welcome comments and suggestions on this issue.
The new 2009 BREEAM Communities standard is a more generic, national version of the West Midlands Checklist. The regional Checklist is recognised by BRE as a fully compliant framework and methodology that can be used instead of the national standard up to an including registration for a BREEAM Communities assessment. An accredited BREEAM Communities assessor must carry out the assessment using a compliant framework (either regional or national) in order for a development scheme to be accredited.