With a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050, the UK has set itself a tough challenge. Indeed, a recent government report hints that this may might no longer be a viable target.

But the message from the International Solar Cities Congress, held in Oxford earlier this month, was solar = sustainable = survival'.

A simple equation but are we willing to put it into practice?

According to Dr Paul Robinson, sustainable energy officer with Oxford City Council, the city is at the vanguard of the race to go green.

He said: "Oxford is certainly making inroads to change the landscape for the future. It is easier now than ever before for the public to get involved and really do something.

"Oxford City Council regularly holds free training on home energy efficiency for local agencies, organisations and community groups."

But while Oxford's solar initiative, which equips homes to convert the sun's rays into electricity, has captured the headlines, Dr Robinson believes that people need to get the simple stuff right first.

He said: "People come to us talking about solar installations but, a lot of the time, we end up talking about simple ways to conserve energy, such as loft insulation and cavity walls."

Although the recent Solar Cities conference an international affair with scientists, academics, business leaders, and policy makers in attendance dealt with issues on a worldwide scale, local workshops advising and guiding local people was one of its main attractions.

The key to cracking this mammoth task seems to be start small and build from there.

Ian Bacon, solar and built-environment advisor with Thames Valley Energy, said: "The conference was all about raising awareness and keeping the subject at the forefront of people's minds. Although it was part of more weighty conference, it is extremely important that local people get involved and make their homes more energy and cost-efficient."

Mr Bacon also believes developers and builders should be putting solar installations on the plans from day one.

"We need to start looking at this in a new way it shouldn't be a case of some people doing this to help the environment, everyone needs to do it. Solar panels should be like double glazing a necessity and something that adds value to your home.

"This is the way to go. The problem is that because people don't ask, they don't get."

Mr Bacon believes that once people realise this is something that will save them money, they will eagerly get on board, but he also wonders could the Oxford Universities be doing more?

"Oxford is perceived as a leading light. But the colleges have been very slow to move they need to get more involved."

He does praise one college, however. St Anne's, off Woodstock Road, now has two buildings equipped with solar heating panels.

Steve Griffith, estate manager of the college, said: "Our Robert Saunders house is assisted by solar heating panels, and the brand-new Ruth Deech building was built with the solar panels.

"We found it a great way of saving money, the planning committee was looking for a way to save and this was it, with the cost of gas now it is time to look at the alternatives this made sense financially and, of course, it is good for the environment."

As with anything, people are being warned to go through the proper channels when considering switching over to solar systems.

Mr Bacon added: "There are some cowboys out there, so people need to be careful.

A wonderful local initiative has been specifically designed to guide people through the process."

Solarsavers, launched to assist the householder through the process of purchasing a solar thermal system, offers special discounted prices negotiated for householders that apply through the scheme. It is led by South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of the White Horse District Council with the support of 14 other local authorities in the Thames Valley.

So with all this activity the 100th system was installed in Oxford recently how close is Oxford to becoming a solar city?

Dr Robinson said: "Oxford is very well-placed to move forward towards the ideal, a new planning directive under consultation at the moment says that new buildings in Oxford must get 20 per cent of their energy from renewable sources.

"If this goes through, then Oxford will really be a leader in this area, it will be a landmark. Hopefully it won't be watered down.

"Oxford City Council is very serious about sustainable energy, it has already budgeted for two more officers and really wants to move forward with the whole idea. It is not just lip service."

For further information, visit the website www.solarsavers.co.uk or call 0800 1070044.