The Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has set out a strategy for sustainable housing in a new consultation document.

Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development included a plan for tightening regulations progressively up to 2016 as well as introducing a Code for Sustainable Homes and announcing the initiation of a draft Planning Policy Statement on climate change.

The proposals have been welcomed by the Home Builders Federation, the principal trade organisation for private sector housebuilders.

"These guidelines are very challenging but I think with the right set of conditions they are achievable. With the right framework we will be able to sort this out," said Dave Mitchell, technical director at Home Builders Federation.

"We have asked for a framework so that we can clearly see the way forward and we have been asking for that for some time now."

One way of making your home more environmentally friendly is to install double glazing, which could reduce your carbon emissions by providing better insulation.

Click here for a selection of windows and doors from Safestyle.

©

Author:  Joanne McCabe