The British government has been urged to give homeowners the option of borrowing money to invest in green homes.

According to the UK Green Building Council, this would make existing housing stock in Britain more energy efficient and help to reduce the country's carbon emissions.

Paul King, chief executive of the group, described the idea of offering loans of up to £10,000 as an "innovative proposal".

"Both government and opposition have voiced their support for the principles of a scheme like this," he told the Guardian.

"What's needed is to get on with it."

Although the loan would have to be paid back, households would ultimately pay less than they would have done otherwise, as energy saving would help to cut the size of their utility bills.

Meanwhile, Ben Webster of the Times has suggested that people might be more willing to turn their house into a green home if they are given a stick instead of a carrot.

For example, he suggested that less efficient properties could be hit by higher stamp duty or estate agent's fees should the owner choose to sell up.

Mr Webster added that the cost of switching to a green home would be far lower than paying these charges.