Repairing dripping taps could help both water saving and energy saving efforts, according to Michael Holmes, spokesman for the National Home Improvement Show.

He explains that dripping taps are one of the first places to start when trying to make a property greener, along with fitting a displacement device to toilet cisterns to reduce their water consumption.

Other water saving measures recommended include using the dishwasher - with natural cleaning products - rather than hand-washing crockery.

"It uses less water and saves approximately £15 per year," says Mr Holmes.

Reducing the amount of liquid consumed in each flush could help to lower toilets' impact, as they account for almost a third of home use of the fluid.

Meanwhile, each leaky tap can cause up to 5,000 litres of wastage each year, he says.

For a direct energy saving focus, Mr Holmes suggests the usual solutions of energy-saving light bulbs, double glazing and more efficient boilers as the most effective starting points.