The British government has revealed new regulations to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses. One of the main policies is stricter rules for property owners who rent out energy inefficient properties that are not properly insulated. Chris Huhne is the climate change secretary who stated the list of regulations to reinforce the government promise for energy efficiency in the UK. His policies followed newspapers criticism of the government approach to the environment.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Huhne said homeowners are going to be able to borrow loans from their local supermarket chain to finance any needed adjustments to create efficient households nationwide. The loans will be for vital changes such as installation of double glazing or insulating solid walls. It is estimated that these new measures will have to be implemented in around 680,000 buildings across the UK over the next seven years to meet standards.

One of the boldest regulations Huhne stated in the House of Commons was that of a penalty for landlords whose rented properties did not meet the sufficient criteria. If landlords failed to make the required changes and continued to lease out their properties they will face punishment. While the penalty is yet to be announced, commentators think it will probably be in the form of a fine, starting in 2010.

The strict regulations will try to curb the danger of tenants staying in properties that damage their long term health and cost them large amounts in bills. The announcements were welcomed by green activists who said that the new rules for landlords to meet basic requirements of efficient buildings will protect vulnerable households who are likely to become victims of fuel poverty. The British Property Federation (BPF) who represent landlords also welcomed the regulations.

The British government is using these policies to make sure its meet its goal of reducing household emissions by thirty per cent by 2020. Ministers believe that while insulation of properties is a vital step forward, they are also keen for home improvements to be visible and conspicuous through adjustments such as efficient double-glazing. They claim this will be the largest home improvement program in Britain since the Second World War.

The UK is also planning to revolutionize household energy efficiency with the introduction of the smart meter. The government plans to install 53 million smart meters in 30 million households and businesses from 2014 to 2019. A smart meter monitors the energy output of a building in a clear, instant way. This allows people to instantly reduce their output by turning off extra lights or switching off the television.

The smart meters will allow households to save a considerable amount of money by cutting excess energy usage. It is estimated that they will save homes in Britain seven point three billion pounds over the next twenty years. This will be a key policy in the government strategy to meet its green environment goals, while also potentially saving the customer money.

Businesses in the UK are also being persuaded to become green with the help of a green loan. A total amount of five hundred and fifty million pounds is to be used to help fund businesses with loans to purchase efficient installations and equipment. Funding is provided by a three-year deal between Siemens and the Carbon Trust.

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