Our client CSA Design Studio has been exploring how they can achieve the Levels set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes, particularly Levels 3 and 4. They see themselves very much as sustainable designers and this is born out by their design for Douro Place.

CSA Design Studio commissioned Harrison Environmental Consulting to produce a preassessment estimator report for a planning application on the development at Douro Place in Norwich. The report is designed to demonstrate to the Planning Authority how the development might achieve a particular Code Level.

Harrison Group's assessor provided advice and strategy assessment formulation for the development; and areas were highlighted which would require further development before a Code Level 3/4 could be achieved.

Following this meeting and the information gathered using our internal pre-assessment framework document, the information requirements were set out and design team responsibilities assigned.

As a result of site restrictions and limited design time, some areas of the code were not advisable, particularly the Ecology Credits. The design therefore focused on energy, water and materials specifications in order to achieve a higher Code rating.

The report was produced for planning submission for planning within 3 days.