Exploring the Home Quality Mark: for a sustainable and liveable future
Join us as Simone Hinzman, our Sustainability Consultant and HQM Assessor, takes us through HQM – a certification scheme revolutionising the way we approach sustainability in residential living.
What is HQM?
The Home Quality Mark (HQM) is a sustainability certification scheme for new homes.
This consumer-driven evaluation method incorporates scientific research to offer a holistic sustainability approach to the housing sector. The HQM certification represents value and enhanced quality for building occupiers and stakeholders alike.
Why aim for HQM certification?
HMQ certified homes provide a trusted mark of quality. Certified properties meet standards that are significantly higher than standards such as Building Requirements. These homes:
are better for the environment
are better for the health and wellbeing of end users
cost less to run
and incorporate modern technologies.
With common fears around the quality of new-build houses, this certification gives occupiers confidence and gives developers a way to stand out. I think it also offers a great opportunity to attract green financing, for those looking to only invest in more eco-friendly developments.
The HQM scoring system
HQM utilises a scoring and rating methodology, represented by star ratings ranging from 1 to 5. The rating is determined by the number of credits achieved. A 1-star rating represents a home that goes beyond minimum standards, while a 5-star rating represents an outstanding home which pushes the boundaries.
The scoring also includes indicators, ranked on a 5-point scale, reflecting metrics valued by building occupants such as cost, wellbeing, and environmental footprint.
Sustainability measures that are included in the assessment include the risk of flooding and the implementation of sustainable drainage measures, along with measuring appropriate accessibility in the home to improve the occupant’s wellbeing. Providing home information to building occupants and appropriate short-term and long-term aftercare such as on-call support are examples of the mandatory criteria.
The projects
CPW is currently working on three projects that are pursuing HQM rating, which include The Goodsyard in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. This Legal and General development is targeting a 3.5-star rating and consists of a mixed-use community including 395 apartments which vary between studios, two bedroom and duplexes available for rent. The entire development occupies 28,993 m² and features various amenities including gyms, workspaces, lounges and a courtyard space.
We have been working on HQM projects since the scheme was first introduced in 2015 and currently have a team of six assessors - Amy Clutterbuck, Hannah Kissick, Hazel Andrews, Izzy Connolly, Michelle Ward and myself. We’d love to advise on whether HMQ would be a good choice for your project.
Ready to make your mark on the green frontier? Get in touch with our sustainability experts.