The revisions to Part L of the regulations propose that insulation standards be increased, ventilation and lighting systems be more efficient, the airtightness of buildings be tested and the regulations applied to existing building stock.
The proposals are the result of a consultation process announced last February by construction minister Nick Raynsford.
It is being carried out for the DETR by consulting engineer Oscar Faber and is intended to help Britain meet Kyoto conference targets of pushing CO2 emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2010.
Martin Stamp, chief architect at Britain's biggest housebuilder Wimpey, welcomed the move to include existing housing stock in the regulations. "This will show new housing in a good light and will take the pressure off us," he said.
However, he is concerned about proposals to introduce airtightness testing. He said Wimpey is working at improving airtightness but testing houses in situ would be unwelcome.
Tests, which entail blowing air through the house at high pressure using a portable fan, cost £300 a house, according to Oscar Faber.
Stamp is also concerned by the proposal to increase insulation levels. He said increasing levels above those set by the last revision of Part L in 1995 is not cost-effective.
"It is more important to think about improving the efficiency of white goods because they account for over 50% of the energy consumption of a house," he said.
Critics are also concerned that the measures contradict the DETR's agenda for sustainable construction. The DETR is keen to increase levels of building reuse, but critics argue that improving insulation in existing buildings will raise costs and deter investment.
Oscar Faber director Steve Irvine, who is running the revision project, defended the proposals on the grounds that no measures will be introduced without cost-benefit analysis.
The first meeting to discuss the proposals is later this month and another round of consultation will take place later this year.
No proposals will be implemented until the first half of 2000, Irvine said.
Other proposals include making energy consumption data available to the public and simplifying guidance in the regulations.
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