The British government has recently opened the comment period on a major plan to revise the building code. The revisions phase in regulations ensuring that all new homes are built carbon-neutral by 2016. Other elements of the plan include:

• Code for Sustainable Homes: national standard to inform home buyers about the environmental performance of homes offered for sale.
• Energy Performance Certificates: national standard to inform home buyers about the energy efficiency and running costs of homes offered for sale.
• Urban planning policy to support lower carbon emissions and resiliency in the face of climate change.
• Water Efficiency standards
• Review of Existing Buildings: While the new regulations cover new construction, the government looking at ways to upgrade existing homes and buildings.