Posted 01.08.13
New energy standards are to be introduced, aimed at reducing £200 a typical new homes' fuel bills by £200.
These changes also aim to further cut carbon emissions, help tackle climate change and ensure the Government is on track to deliver the Budget commitment for zero carbon homes from 2016 in England.
Businesses will also benefit, with new rules to make buildings - such as offices, shops, warehouses and pubs - more energy efficient.
The measures coming into force in April 2014 mean new homes and non domestic buildings will have to include energy saving features such as better fabric insulation and more efficient heating and lighting.
The toughened up measures announced in Parliament - "Part L of the Building Regulations" - mean a 6% cut in carbon emissions for new build homes, and a 9% cut for non domestic buildings.
The Government estimates that the small increase in construction costs will be heavily outweighed by subsequent energy savings, meaning these new measures will create a £384 million net saving for people and businesses over the average lifetime of the new features.
No changes are being made to rules on existing homes.
