Approximately two-thirds of existing houses pre-date the introduction of any environmental requirement in building regulations, so government advisors on sustainable building have called for tax breaks on DIY products which improve the environmental performance of homes.

A reduction in stamp duty is also suggested for new homes that adopt a code of standards, saving energy and water as well as being efficient in waste management.

The advisors calling for the incentives are the Sustainable Buildings Task Group co-chaired by Sir John Harman (Chairman of the Environment Agency) and Victor Benjamin, (Deputy Chair of English Partnerships) and was commissioned by ODPM, Defra and DTI to develop a consistent approach to ensuring today's buildings are fit for the future.

The group's report calls for the government and the building industry to adopt a single national Code for Sustainable Building which would raise the quality standards and reduce the unsustainable use of natural resources in the built environment.

"We believe that the construction, development and house building industries have not yet subscribed to much of the sustainability agenda and have not been persuaded of the long-term benefits,” said Sir John Harman.

The new code would incorporate standards in energy and water efficiency and waste management that are above the minimum required by building regulations. The group recommends that government should lead by example and adopt these standards for all new buildings in the public sector.

The group also calls for tighter regulations to be enforced, so that all new buildings would reduce energy and water consumption by 25 per cent. Also, at least 10 per cent of materials used in the construction of new buildings would be recycled or reused and more sustainable sources of materials encouraged. Waste would be better managed during construction and buildings would be designed for households to dispose of waste more effectively.

Change in public perception and awareness is also needed, says the report, and ultimately will be the driving force to ensuring housing is environmentally sound, hence the call for tax breaks on energy and water saving DIY products and other incentives.

Enforcing flood-protected building

Not only do we urgently need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing the way buildings are constructed and maintained, says the report, but we also need to protect our buildings from the increased risk of flooding and droughts that we are experiencing as a result of climate change.

The Group calls for the building industry and local authorities to ensure that any building on the flood plain is constructed with flood resilient materials. They also call on the insurance industry to insist on flood damaged properties being repaired in a flood resilient manner.