Developers may have to incorporate energy efficiency and include crime prevention measures in the design of all new buildings.

The Bermuda Building Code is to be overhauled to encourage green technologies plus deterrents against criminal behaviour.

Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Paula Cox announced the move in Friday's Budget, saying it was further progress in sustainable development for the Island.

"The completion of a 'green' building code will be another important step to help manage Bermuda's built environment in a sustainable way," said Ms Cox.

This could encourage adoption of solar and photovoltaic panels plus micro-wind turbines, as well as more efficient systems to lower electricity usage and conserve water.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney said yesterday: "The emphasis on sustainability has been woven into the review of the Bermuda Building Code and the adoption of the revised regulations is planned for implementation in early course.

"The Department of Planning is leading this effort on providing sustainable development guidance and will continue to review, update and change its operational systems in order to ensure that the current planning processes reflect modern international best practice in the inherent best interest of Bermuda and in realising greater efficiency."

No further information was available from the Ministry.

However it is thought the new Building Code could adopt similar principles to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which has set standards for environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings around the world.

Andrew Vaucrosson, president of sustainability group Greenrock, said: "Greenrock has been advocating the need to update our building codes both in and outside Hamilton for some time.

"We welcome the announcement but it comes a little late considering how much has been developed thus far in Bermuda by both the private and public sector."

In the new Building Code, architects and developers will also have to incorporate full accessibility requirements for the disabled.

Last year, two years after launching the National Policy on Disability, Government appointed quadriplegic Keith Simmons as the Island's Accessibility Officer.

Mr. Simmons liaises with Building Control to ensure properties comply with disability legislation.

According to the 2000 Census, disability affects 3,000 residents on the Island five percent of the population.

While new buildings will have a greener future, older buildings were also the subject of the Budget.

Ms Cox also announced the Bermuda National Trust has teamed up with the Department of Planning, Historic Buildings Advisory Committee and the Corporation of Hamilton to survey buildings of historic and architectural importance in Hamilton.

The Minister described the move as "a joined-up strategy to protect part of the unique character of our Island's cultural and architectural heritage".

Dorcas Roberts, the Bermuda National Trust's director of preservation, said last night: "The National Trust has advocated for the protection of historic and architecturally significant buildings in the city since 1992.

"As yet, only the Anglican Cathedral benefits from the protection listing offers. In 1992 the Bermuda National Trust compiled a list of buildings of special interest within the city that we felt should be considered for listing and presented it to both the Government and the Corporation of Hamilton.

"In 2006, a revised list taking into account the buildings already lost was further submitted."

Mrs. Roberts said: "The listing process serves to preserve the best examples of Bermuda's heritage in order to physically tell the Island's collective and complete story, historically and culturally, and to pass this story on to future generations.

"It goes without saying that if the listing process does not extend to the built heritage in the city, this story cannot be complete.

"The purpose of listing is to identify important buildings to ensure that value and interest is taken fully into account in decisions that affect their future, such as the Planning process."

She said: "The Bermuda National Trust wholeheartedly welcomes this announcement as we believe that Bermuda's built heritage serves as an irreplaceable physical record which contributes to our understanding of both the past and the present.

"It undoubtedly adds to the quality of our lives, by enhancing the unique and cherished local landscape and sustaining the sense of distinctiveness. It also significantly contributes to our tourism appeal."