Builders in NSW will stop constructing homes with dark-coloured roofs and will raise energy efficiency standards for houses, under plans outlined by Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes on Wednesday.

In an address that moved the focus of achieving net zero carbon emissions away from new technology and on to changes in existing behaviour, Mr Stokes said the 10-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating requirements for new residential dwellings would rise from 5.5 stars to 7 stars.