PEOPLE living in South Gloucestershire are being urged to volunteer for an energy saving survey.

Residents in the district are wanted to take part in the South West Target 2050 scheme, which takes its name from the government target to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050.

The project, run by the Energy Saving Trust, is open to residents of any type of home and is an attempt to cut carbon emissions and encourage more people to do the same.

Participants will be asked to monitor their energy use for up to two years to demonstrate the savings they can achieve. Alongside energy saving measures installed in their homes, households will be encouraged to examine their everyday habits and choices to see how they can reduce their carbon footprint even further.

Those taking part in the scheme will form part of a regional in-depth survey into households’ energy use. They will then receive an individual action plan for reducing emissions as well as expert advice for one year.

South Gloucestershire councillor Mathew Riddle, executive member for community care and housing, said: "This is a big challenge. "Building on the success of our popular Warm and Well programme, we are looking for people who are serious about reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills, as well as being willing to be advocates for positive action on climate change within their community."

Anyone interested in joining Target 2050 should call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre free on 0800 512 012 or email enquiries@est-southwest.org.uk as soon as possible for more information and an application form.