The annual event, which is now in its twelfth year, aims to teach people how to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on household bills.

The Energy Saving Trust said that it hoped the increased public profile of climate change and energy issues would encourage more people to do their bit.

Karen Lawrence, head of advice at the trust, said: “It is no longer just a Government problem to be tackled on a policy level, but something everyone is thinking about on a daily basis.”

She added: “We’re constantly being shown targets and timelines telling us what the nation has to achieve and by when to help fight climate change.

“But how on earth are we expected to fit an eco-rich lifestyle into our time-poor lives? Energy Saving Week is the perfect opportunity to discover your Green/Life Balance.”

Backing the initiative, which ran from October 20 to 26, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “We want everyone to have a warm, well insulated home, wherever they live.

“That’s why I am encouraging everyone to take advantage of the help and advice from the Energy Saving Trust.”

To mark Energy Saving Week, Tesco sold energy saving light bulbs at a cut price offer of five for 40 pence.

Statistics compiled by climate change campaign Together suggest there are still more than 400m light bulbs in the UK that could be switched to energy saving ones – a move which would cut about 4.5m tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

Despite the initiative’s consumer focus, businesses were also being encouraged to look more at their energy use.

Insurer RSA called for businesses should lead the way in reducing their carbon footprint by using the information on Energy Performance Certificates.

Kate Martin

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