The government has launched a one-stop-shop to help homeowners make their houses more environmentally friendly.

The service will link home owners with grants, loans and financial packages to help cut carbon emissions. Environment secretary, Hilary Benn, said: “The Green Homes Service will provide a one-stop-shop, including a green MOT, for homes.”

The Green Homes Service, to be launched in April 2008, will provide a single point of contact for people to order a home energy audit and get advice on how they can save water, reduce waste, improve their travel and apply for grants and offers from energy companies.

The service will be backed by £100 million of government funding, which will transform the Energy Saving Trust from an advice service into the proactive Green Homes Service. The full Green Homes Service will be available nationwide by 2011.