New energy standards have been introduced to cut £200 on typical new homes' fuel bills and large businesses over £60k, compared to build standards before 2010.

The changes will also 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.

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.

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Communities Minister Don Foster 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. Businesses will also benefit with new rules to make buildings such as offices, shops, warehouses and pubs more energy efficient."

The toughened up measures announced today in Parliament - 'Part L of the Building Regulations' - following consultation mean a 6% cut in carbon emissions for new build homes, and a 9% cut for non domestic buildings.

The small increase in construction costs will be heavily outweighed by subsequent energy savings, meaning today’s measures will create a £384m net saving for people and businesses over the average lifetime of the new features.

(CD/JP)