Properties in Britain could become green homes if their occupants invest in eco gadgets, an expert has stated.

According to Tony Juniper, former director of Friends of the Earth, many older houses are likely to remain in use for some years to come.

Speaking to the Times, he said lots of these buildings were not designed with modern environmental standards and requirements in mind.

Therefore, he has recommended that occupants of older buildings look at buying energy saving items that can help reduce their impact on the environment, such as more efficient light bulbs.

Indeed, products such as the BioBulb use 75 per cent less energy than standard bulbs, with 60w devices using just 20w of electricity.

"Each time we replace something that uses energy, we try to buy products that use less than the one that is going," Mr Juniper commented.

He added that he is also encouraging his children to take steps such as ensuring lights are turned off when they are not needed and that appliances are not left on standby.