But the beefed-up rules will not come into force until April 2014 when new homes and non domestic buildings will have to include energy saving features such as better fabric insulation and more efficient heating and lighting.

The tougher measures will mean a 6% cut in carbon emissions for new build homes, and a 9% cut for non domestic buildings.

The Government said: “The small increase in construction costs will be heavily outweighed by subsequent energy savings, meaning today’s measures will create a £384m net saving for people and businesses over the average lifetime of the new features.”

Communities Minister Don Foster said: “At a time when energy costs are rising and everyone is watching their wallet these measures mean anyone buying a new home knows it will be built to tough energy saving standards to drive down their fuel bills.

“Businesses will also benefit with new rules to make buildings such as offices, shops, warehouses and pubs more energy efficient.”

Andrew Orriss, Head of Business Development, SIG360 said: “The delaying of Part L changes to April 2014 is undoubtedly going to cause some concern among industry from those who think this will undermine the 2016 zero carbon target.

“However with something as important as Part L, I’m firmly of the belief that it’s better to get it right late than not get it right at all.

“As unpalatable as it might seem, if moving the amendments to April 2014 means we get more realistic timelines and a clearer pathway to zero carbon, then the Government’s decision  to delay is the right one.

“Better that than rush into an October 2013 target that we won’t be able to meet.

“Housebuilders should use this delay as an opportunity to really get to grips with zero carbon – to understand the principles behind the latest revisions and what they will actually mean in practice”