In April 2007, the Code for Sustainable Homes (the Code) was introduced as a voluntary standard in England. It works by awarding new homes a 1 to 6 star rating based upon their performance against nine sustainability criteria (including energy efficiency) and gives an indication of the impact of the new home on the environment.

At the time the Code was introduced, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) also consulted on the principle of making the Code mandatory. This proposal was favourably received and the DCLG has issued a further consultation looking at how a mandatory rating system might work. The consultation period ends on 23 October 2007.