A scrappage-style scheme for electrical goods could be an effective energy saving measure, according to the Green Party.

The UK's automotive industry already has a scrappage programme, which sees the government and carmakers give motorists £2,000 if they trade in a car more than ten years old for a new vehicle.

Doubts have been expressed about the scheme's green credentials, but it has proved popular with consumers.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has asked the government to consider a similar programme for white goods, which would see consumers offered incentives to replace ageing electrical products with newer models which are certified under the Energy Saving Recommended standard.

According to BRC estimates, such a scheme could help to reduce domestic carbon emissions by 1.3 million tonnes a year within 11 years.

Darren Johnson, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, described the idea as a "good suggestion", but said it would only be effective if it were designed in a way which genuinely changes consumer behaviour.

"If it was linked to a process of really ramping up the energy saving criteria of their appliances and, say, phasing out all the D and E ratings altogether, then I think it could work," said Mr Johnson.

He added that he would like to see the government adopt a VAT regime which would make energy efficient appliances much more affordable and deter consumers from buying equipment which uses a lot of energy.