Hilary Benn, the environment secretary, yesterday set out new measures to help households reduce their carbon footprint.

The government is keen for individuals to take responsibility for tackling climate change and the home is seen as the ideal place to start.

Mr Benn's department is seeking to offer advice and guidance to people looking to make their homes greener and has set up a new hotline.

"Individuals are responsible for almost half of emissions, so people have to start taking action in their own lives if we are to meet the challenge of climate change," Mr Benn said.

"But there is a lot of information out there and the government recognises that it can be hard to know where to start. These initiatives will help address that."

Measures to reduce a home's environmental impact can also bring down household bills, which most would welcome as energy costs alone have increased by up to 15 per cent this year.

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