This issue of green building magazine examines in detail the code for Sustainable Homes and how designers and builders can work within its framework to achieve high ranking homes. We also include a number of critiques of the code in the hope the the government will rethink certain aspects such as the water and energy expectations.

A passive house can simply be defined as one where a heating energy demand of 15kWh/m2/year is achieved. Judging from its outer appearance alone, a passive house can easily be designed to resemble a conventional home but what we find is that careful attention to detail is the key to ensuring a durable low energy building.

In this issue, Judith Thornton brings us an exclusive and thought-provoking, sideways look at rainwater harvesting, while Roger Budgeon has provided us with early monitoring results from the wood fuelled boiler powering the new Greenshop Group HQ.

Floors are one of the largest elements of our buildings and, as such, they occupy our attention from a number of perspectives. Structural stability, aesthetics, heat losses and comfort are the primary concerns.

Roofs are one of the most important elements of our buildings. Researchers, product manufacturers and architects are all now pushing the sustainability agenda for our roofscapes and builders, renovators and building owners are all keen to play their part. However, an understanding of the opportunities that our roofs offer or hinder will make our decision making just that little bit easier.