The Government has announced that all new homes are to be rated on their green credentials from 1 st May 2008.

A rating against the Code for Sustainable Homes, which measures nine categories of sustainable design including energy, water and waste, will be required for all new homes. Homes which exceed the sustainable standards in existing building regulations will be awarded up to six stars. Those homes that have not been assessed against the code will score a nil-rating.

Caroline Flint, housing minister, said: “ We need to tackle climate change by improving how green and energy efficient our homes are. New build housing will play an important part in this, and we are already committed to all new housing being zero carbon from 2016. These measures are essential in tackling climate change.

“By requiring a rating for all new homes against the Code for Sustainable Homes in the run up to 2016, we are creating an important incentive for house builders to provide greener, more sustainable homes. Providing these ratings will also give buyers valuable information about their home, allowing them to make an informed choice and helping people to reduce their own household carbon emissions.”