He said everybody needed to take steps to tackle climate change, with moves to cut the carbon footprint of people's homes required as much as measures by Government or industry.

To launch the initiative, the Environment Secretary is visiting the west London home of a working mother with an Energy Saving Trust "energy doctor" looking at energy efficiency, water use and waste reduction measures.

The new schemes include the launch of an "Act On CO2" advice line which will give people across the country access to a "one-stop shop" for all their environmental needs.

In addition to answering queries on how to use less energy in their homes, the green homes service will give advice on how to save water, reduce waste, adopt greener travel methods and get information about grants and offers from energy companies.

The Government said it is providing £100 million for the Energy Saving Trust to deliver a broader programme for green homes, which will see the roll-out of a network of one-stop advice centres around the country over the next 12 months.

The Green Neighbourhoods Initiative is backed by up to £10 million from the Government's Environmental Transformation Fund, with a competition for funding launched by the Energy Saving Trust by the end of the year.

The scheme will focus on homes with carbon footprints which are hard to reduce, such as Victorian terraces and tower blocks, as well as properties which use gas or oil for heating and action outside the homes including efficient street lighting and community energy projects.

Mr Benn said: "If we are to stop climate change's worst consequences, changes need to be made in people's kitchens, living rooms and communities, as much as in industry boardrooms, parliamentary debating chambers or around in the international negotiating table."