The government has announced a new target for all new build homes in the UK to be highly energy-efficient, with low carbon heating and be zero carbon ready by 2025.

The new measures that could trigger what is described as ‘green building revolution’, follow a consultation on the ‘Future Homes Standard’ initiative and are aimed at protecting the environment, reducing energy use, bills and emissions.

The government expects new homes to produce up to 80% lower carbon emissions compared to current levels, with new builds expected to produce 31% lower carbon emissions from 2021.

All existing homes and businesses will be subject to stricter requirements for replacements, repairs and parts, to be more energy-efficient.

The building work includes the replacement of windows and technologies such as heat pumps, cooling systems and lighting.

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher said: “Improving the energy performance of buildings is vital to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and protecting the environment for future generations to come.

“The radical new standards announced today will not only improve energy efficiency of existing homes and other buildings but will also ensure our new homes are fit for the future, by reducing emissions from new homes by at least 75%.

“This will help deliver greener homes and buildings, as well as reducing energy bills for hard-working families and businesses.”

Responding to the new energy efficiency standards, JulieHirigoyen, Chief Executive at the UK Green Building Council, said: “We are pleased to see confirmation that the ‘Future Homes Standard’ will mean new homes will have carbon dioxide emissions 75-80% lower than those built to current building regulations, though it’s regrettable that the Standard won’t be implemented till 2025, despite it being widely trailed that it would be brought forward to 2023.

“We also welcome the interim 31% threshold later this year, which will put us on a path to the ‘Future Homes Standard’.”