BRE managed and developed the technical contents of the Code standard for and on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Compliance with higher levels of the Code is voluntary, with a long-term view for step-change increases.
It was also anticipated that the Building Regulations as well as the minimum mandatory Code level would continue to improve until the 2016 target of 'net zero CO2 emissions' was met.
Guidance was also available via the Code's simply explained published document to clarify the technical requirements.
[4] Despite these positive reactions, even a zero carbon building would only achieve Level 1 of the Code unless further measures are taken to comply with other requirements.
The Code continues to operate for "legacy developments" in England and in Wales and Northern Ireland [13]