The new UK housing minister has promised that the Coalition Government will release a final definition of ‘zero-carbon’ during the coming weeks. This is expected to bring to an end years of consultation. Grant Shapps pledged to uphold the previous Labour government’s target for all new homes to be zero-carbon by 2016.

"I know how important it is to industry to have a clear definition as soon as possible," he said. "House builders can now buy land with confidence and start to design the homes of the future, and so that the supply chain can gear up production of the technologies that will be needed."

The housing minister set out his plans for getting the "the green housing industry back on track" at a new eco-housing development in Swindon. The Triangle, developed by Hab Oakus with Housing Group Greensquare, is pioneering the use of renewable materials and incorporates various green features, such as Hempcrete for external walls. The project has the backing of the Homes and Communities Agency, Department for Energy and Climate Change and the Energy Saving Trust.

The Coalition Government’s energy and green economy bill includes plans for a ‘pay as you save’ loan scheme to help householders pay for energy efficiency measures out of the savings on their energy bills. Homes will need to have insulated walls, ceilings, floors and energy efficient windows to meet new energy standards.

It is yet to be seen what effect the new bill will have on household finances in the form of buildings and home insurance. Currently, some ‘green’ home cover policies offer specific cover for environmentally friendly additions such as solar panels. Others act as regular home insurance policies, but support green schemes through carbon offsetting programs.