A panel of experts met in Edinburgh yesterday to discuss energy efficiency standards in the housing sector, it has been reported.

Specialists from across Scotland, Austria, Norway and Denmark met at the conference to recommend measures to reduce the environmental impact of Scottish homes and other buildings.

Transport and climate change minister Stewart Stevenson told the Scotsman that the country already has the most stringent energy standards in the UK.

"The expert panel helps us ensure we are doing everything possible to raise standards even further, to save energy and tackle climate change," he added.

Mr Stevenson concluded by stating that he looks forward to receiving the report from the panel by the end of this year.

The chief executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA) added he was hopeful the experts can develop a means by which the construction industry can move towards minimising carbon emissions and energy use.

Set up in June 2004, the SBSA is an executive agency of the Scottish parliament.