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Home owners will be able to fit their properties with energy-saving insulation at no upfront cost from the end of 2012, the government has announced.
Under a scheme called the "Green Deal" government accredited energy providers will make improvements such as loft or cavity wall insulation to homes and businesses for a fee, which homeowners or renters will pay in installments.
The cost of each installment will be reduced from energy bills and will be limited to the savings that the homeowner makes from the new insulation.
Unveiling the plans, energy secretary Chris Huhne said: "The Green Deal's about making people feel as warm as toast in their homes.
"I want Britain to say goodbye forever to leaky lofts and chilly draughts. At a time of increasing gas prices energy efficiency is a no-brainer.
"It's also a massive economic and job opportunity, which could help Britain's economy turn the corner."
At present the Green Deal would only apply to England, but the government said it hopes to extend the plans to Wales and Scotland, which have their own laws on energy efficiency.
It is expected the building installations could create up to 73,000 in the industry over the next four years, employing up to 250,000 people by 2030 if all 26 million UK homes make use of the programme.
By the end of the year, the government's energy Bill will also include a proposed law allowing tenants to require their landlords install reasonable energy efficiency improvements in properties.
The legislation will also suggest that local councils can force home owners to make improvements to least efficient buildings.
The Lib Dem energy secretary has previously said the Green Deal, alongside investments into the wind power industry, will boost the UK economy by up to 2 per cent.
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