Government to revise green homes rating code

The government yesterday proposed revisions to its green rating systems for homes designed to make it easier for households and potential buyers to understand the environmental impact of their homes.

Currently homes are awarded between one and six stars based on their energy efficiency, waste, materials and water use.

However, housing and planning minister John Healey said yesterday that he wanted to simplify the code and promote awareness of the scheme.

"The code has proved its worth but now is the time to make it a more user-friendly standard for consumers," he said. "In the future, this will help drive uptake so people will save money on bills and reduce the carbon footprint of new homes."

He said the government would consult on measures to reduce bureaucracy associated with the code and better promote awareness of the rating system.

Since it was introduced two years ago, more than 300,000 buildings have been registered to the code's standards, and nearly 2,000 homes have completed code certificates. However, general public awareness of the scheme remains low with many potential house buyers unaware of the rating system.

The announcement comes just weeks after Healey confirmed that tougher proposals for energy efficiency standards will mean that all new homes from 2016 will have better insulated walls, windows, ceilings and floors to limit energy loss.