about to -- on a basement mine will be 6+

Also about to
We went through all the foundation options for the site to assess carbon content and lifetime emissions (ignoring BRE guidance as it's not suitable in this instance)
Unfortunately I'm not at liberty to discuss the site

That question reminds me of a colleague of mine, 25 years ago who, on a live radio show was asked by a mischievous interviewer why he was required to sign the Official Secret Act. He then proceeded to tell the interviewer why until said host realised it was for real and that he had better cut the conversation short. The telephone call, allegedly, from the Ministry first thing the next morning was, apparently, not one that contained a great deal of praise.

heating system?

Correct answer :) hence the '?'

what foundations are you thinking of? or are you worried about them from an impossible to insulate point of view?

We have to have them and generally they are concrete though there are other possibilities.

The foundations have been tricky because we can only source concrete that has a grade 'C' rating.
The one I want is 100% RCA but I can't find a supplier.

I have the option of going for screed over insulation over 50% GGBS concrete over DPM over blinded virgin aggregate.
Any improvements on this?

Yes, James it would. On the first phase of this development we would have to buy the crushed concrete in (haulage has to be noted), but on the second phase I have a building to demolish....so I would have lots then!

We have been very fortunate in some ways as we haven't had any waste so far......I have shifted 3000 tonnes of earth without having to cart it off site. (Actually, to be truthful it was a big digger and a dumper!)

Sally - sorry I can't be much help here.

But Tony, it doesn't sound to me like you're building to Code 6 - by definition of Code 6 at least. For a start, the energy part is calculated in SAP and unless someone knows different, SAP doesn't allow you to NOT have a primary heating system (rightly or wrongly). Also I'm not sure that SAP or the Code has capacity to process interseasonal storage, so that wouldn't be relevant either.

Furthermore, the fact it's near a bus stop is irrelevant under the Code (believe it was different with Ecohomes but not 100% on that).

Finally if it's a new-build basement flat, that's possible to achieve a Code level, but if the basement is either not new-build, or it's part of a house, then this isn't eligible for the Code individually, and the whole house would have to be assessed - not just part of it.

Yep new house with basement -- I was being naughty the CSH did take into account buss stops originally but dose not any more.

This is why I call it Code 6+. It is better than Code 6, Passive Haus, AECB gold etc etc. Dont need SAP to get CSH levels

I am yes -- none of it is difficult. There is no way I am going to pay loads of money to get it done either I dont particularly need it except I want low or no bills

you'll need the SAP for the % better of DER over TER as stated for the energy delboy. (where most the points are to)

what is heating the dwelling? i understand the no boiler but something must be inputting heat into it :D

Tony,
Have you subscribed to the Considerate Construction Scheme?

I have an assessor who is meticulous and asked for evidence of everything, but who is also on my side and wants me to get this.
I see this exercise as a points mean prizes or mad treasure hunt! I wouldn't have the discipline to make the credits, or go to the lengths that I have had to, if I wasn't being checked. I need to validate the build for myself and also to sell on.

Sally

PS Have you got your bike racks with lockable storage, your bat boxes and your hoist from the bed to the bathroom?? (I am guessing this is when self builders get too drunk or fat to walk!)

Appendix Q does incorporate MVHR which can help SAP scores, but this doesn't negate the need for a heating system in SAP as I understand it (although it certainly could do in real life...).

But the fundamental point is that, as I understand it, if Tony were to get his house assessed under the Code, it would not achieve Code 6 (or any other score for that matter) because:

1. A Code score needs a SAP assessment
2. A SAP assessment needs a primary heating system entered, and MVHR is not accepted as a primary heating system by SAP.

However, it doesn't sound like he needs to perform a Code assessment anyway so it doesn't matter - would be interested to know if anyone can explain how you achieve any credits in ENE1/2/7 without a SAP assessment (I'm pretty sure you can't)