Stricter energy efficiency requirements will apply to new buildings from April 2014, says Government

The changes, set out in Part L of the Building Regulations, will save 6.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and cut £200 from the fuel bill of a typical home compared to pre-2010 build standards, it said.

"At a time when energy costs are rising and everyone is watching their wallet these measures mean anyone buying a new home knows it will be built to tough energy saving standards to drive down their fuel bills," said Communities Minister Don Foster.

"Businesses will also benefit with new rules to make buildings such as offices, shops, warehouses and pubs more energy efficient," he said.

The announcement is part of the Government's commitment to implementing 'zero carbon homes' from 2016. It has also proposed a zero carbon target for non-domestic buildings by 2019. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) consulted on the changes at the start of 2012.

The changes will mean a cut in acceptable carbon emissions for newly-built homes of 6% by 2010 standards; slightly less than the 8% proposed by the Government in its consultation. Emissions for non-domestic buildings will be cut by 9%. New buildings will have to incorporate energy saving features such as better fabric insulation and more efficient heating and lighting in order to meet these standards.

No changes will be made to the rules for existing homes. The Government has also dropped proposals that would have resulted in "consequential improvements", such as building a new conservatory or extension, triggering a requirement for homeowners to have to improve the energy efficiency of their entire property.

Regulations introducing the changes will be laid before Parliament soon, and DCLG will consult shortly on the "allowable solutions" housebuilders can use to achieve a zero carbon rating, it said. Owners of existing homes and buildings that wish to improve the energy efficiency of their properties will be able to use the Green Deal to fit energy saving measures at no upfront cost. They will be able to pay for the work through a small levy on their energy bills, which should be reduced as a result of the installed measures.