To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the potential contribution of high energy efficiency pumps for (a) central heating, (b) air conditioning and (c) water boosting could make towards achieving her Department's target for zero-carbon emission housing by 2016. (220463)

The Government's programme to achieve zero carbon homes by 2016 will involve a progressive tightening of the energy efficiency provisions within Part L of the Building Regulations. The first changes will be made in 2010 and we have started to review the relevant provisions. As part of this review we are considering the potential for the introduction of energy efficiency standards for pumps in domestic and non-domestic properties. Any such proposals would be the subject of formal consultation in 2009.