EcoHomes

EcoHomes was a UK environmental assessment method for new and existing homes. It was used to rate the environmental performance of a dwelling, covering aspects such as energy and water efficiency, material usage, waste management, pollution, and ecology. EcoHomes was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and was the residential equivalent of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) used for commercial buildings.

The EcoHomes assessment awarded a rating based on points accumulated across a range of environmental categories. These categories addressed issues like reducing carbon emissions, minimizing water consumption, sourcing sustainable materials, and protecting biodiversity. A higher score resulted in a higher EcoHomes rating, ranging from "Pass" to "Excellent". The system aimed to encourage developers and homeowners to adopt more sustainable building practices and technologies.

EcoHomes was phased out and replaced by the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) in 2007. The CSH was subsequently abolished in 2015. Modern building regulations and standards, such as those outlined in the UK Building Regulations Approved Documents, now address many of the same environmental considerations previously covered by EcoHomes. Though no longer in active use, EcoHomes remains significant historically as one of the earlier attempts to comprehensively assess and improve the environmental sustainability of residential buildings in the UK.