Melanie Sykes has launched the search for the first ‘Green Voice of Great Britain’ today (Thursday 24 September) on behalf of the only free, impartial adviser to consumers on all sustainable living issues – the Energy Saving Trust.

She is urging individuals across Great Britain to enter a competition to find a people’s green champion – a passionate advocate selected from the people, to represent the people.

The chosen one will become the voice on environmental issues for ‘the man on the street’ and more than 300 already established Energy Saving Trust Green Ambassadors[1] across the UK.

The winner will be crowned at a Parliamentary event to take place on Wednesday 21 October during Energy Saving Week and will become Britain’s green eyes and ears, highlighting the challenges faced by the public on ‘going greener’ to the government and the Energy Saving Trust. The Green Voice will make sure everyone sits up, takes notice and takes action to help Great Britain be green.

Around £8bn of energy is wasted in the UK every year because of homes that are poorly insulated, have inefficient or poorly controlled heating systems and use electricity unnecessarily.

The average household spends around £23 per week on fuel and power, around £1,200 per year. On average, homes can save £300 a year every year by insulating, improving their heating system and being energy efficient.

TV favourite Melanie Sykes said: “UK householders are responsible for almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions so if we are half of the problem then we need to be half of the solution. We’re looking for people who care about the environment, want to get involved and have their say. You don’t have to be an environmentalist living in an eco-house…we are looking for people who can represent the views of the man on the street and communicate these views in a simple manner: have you got the green X Factor?”

The postholder – who will hold the role for one year – will also attend events, act as a media spokesperson on green issues, regularly contribute opinion and views through the Energy Saving Trust’s website and blog.

Energy Saving Trust energy doctor Dr Paula Owen said: “Everyone can play a part in reducing carbon emissions across Great Britain and we need a people’s representative to help inspire others.”

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 5 October, after which a panel of environmental experts will shortlist to four finalists. Short films of each finalist will then be made with each person asked to describe why they are the best person for the job. The public will then be invited to vote on who should be “The Green Voice of Great Britain”.

Anyone interested in applying for the ‘Green Voice of Great Britain’ role should log on to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk and fill in the downloadable document explaining why, in no more than 100 words YOU should be the Green Voice of Great Britain.  Alternatively applications can be posted to Energy Saving Trust, 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP, clearly marking the envelope FAO: GREEN VOICE and including Name, Address, Phone Number and E-mail.