The government is set to announce its plans to reduce household carbon emissions by at least 80% by 2050.

Statistics revealed that energy use in homes currently accounts for almost one third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.

Reports released suggested that under the plans, about seven million houses and flats will be offered a complete eco-makeover and that the Government will commit to cutting a third of greenhouse gas emissions from households by 2020. Ministers from the new Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department of Communities and Local Government are expected to publish plans to reduce energy use in UK homes and launch a consultation on the proposals.

Ed Matthew, the head of UK climate at Friends of the Earthwould like to see Government provide eco-makeovers to at least ten million homes, and introduce measures to cut household emissions by two-thirds.

Developers of social housing can benefit from up to 50 percent grant funding towards the cost of the installation of solar power.

Installing renewable technology will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and can help meet government emission targets.