The government has issued guidance to housebuilders to help them meet the zero-carbon homes target date of 2016.
Intended to provide greater clarity in areas such as energy efficiency and water consumption, the guide complements the Code for Sustainable Homes introduced in April.
Ministers have said that all new homes must be carbon-neutral by 2016.
The government has said that a key feature of a zero carbon home could be combined heat and power technology, which can increase fuel efficiency by more than 75 per cent.
Housing minister Yvette Cooper said: "We need to build more affordable homes but we also need to cut carbon emissions at the same time.
"That is why we are working with industry to meet the zero carbon challenge including through financial incentives."
Linden Homes recently said that its eco-homes in Woking are popular with househunters, who welcome the prospect of saving money on their energy bills.
See Also: Property News (6705)
Date Published: 02 October 2007
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