Planning powers which could force developers to utilise greener energy in their new homes are not being enforced across the region.
None of the local authorities in the West Midlands have so far used a planning rule insisting all new housing developments produce at least ten per cent of energy from renewable sources.
Instead, a small number of innovative, regional housing associations have started to install renewable energy technologies into new build social housing schemes.
Last week, London Mayor Ken Livingstone announced plans to make it a statutory obligation for all large housing developments to incorporate enough onsite renewables to provide 20 per cent of residents' energy needs.
Energy bosses are now urging planning professionals to exercise their powers to encourage developers, social landlords and homeowners to incorporate home technologies such as mini wind turbines, solar water heating, micro CHP units and biomass boilers into regional housing stock.
They outlined the importance of renewable energy and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels at a conference in Birmingham last week.
The event, at the offices of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, included an outline of the Government's plans as well as case studies from local authorities which have successfully embraced the use of microgeneration. This is the onsite production of low carbon heat and power for homes and businesses.
With utility bills rising up to 35 per cent, over reliance on dwindling fossil fuels and the impending threat of climate change, microgeneration has been described as having the potential to deliver a clean, cost-effective and secure source of renewable energy.
A study commissioned by the DTI for the Energy Saving Trust has suggested that by 2050, microgeneration could provide 30-40 per cent of the UK's electricity needs and help reduce household carbon emissions by 15 per cent per annum.
Adrian Smith, director of Energy West Midlands, said: "In the West Midlands, we cannot afford to not be thinking about small-scale domestic technologies and ensuring that planners and developers understand how and where, they can encourage the uptake of these technologies.
"However, with UK domestic energy consumption soaring to record levels, it is critical that we are also getting the basics right and are educating homeowners about simple ways that they can become more energy efficient."
A spokeswoman for the city council said: "The power available to local authorities with regard to renewable energy is to develop guidance, which is what we are committed to do and are in the process of doing."
