New homes are to become cheaper and easier to run, following the government's announcement of new building regulations.
As part of its Warmer Homes, Greener Homes strategy, the new regulations could see around two million tonnes of carbon saved every year by 2020 – which according to the Department for Communities and Local Government, is the same as taking over three million cars off the road.
Buildings will become more water-efficient, with households making water savings of around 260 baths a year. In addition, windows and boilers installed into new houses and added to older ones in extensions must be more energy-efficient.
Housing and planning minister John Healey said: "Nearly half the UK's carbon emissions come from our buildings.
"But more than one in three of the buildings we'll be working in and living in by 2050 have not yet been built, so action now can make a real difference in the future. We must all adapt to ensure that we cut carbon emissions where we can.
"While we must act to reduce carbon emissions, we must do so in sensible stages to avoid unreasonable burdens on the house building industry."
See Also: Property News (6711)
Date Published: 12 March 2010
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