BT has unveiled a range of energy-efficient phones designed to consume around half the power of previous units.

The launch forms part of BT's £2m commitment to improve the green ratings of its home phones, and to make more than 90 per cent of its entire home phone range more energy efficient by July 2008.

"BT has continued to address environmental concerns by launching phones that consume approximately half the electricity of previous models," said Gavin Patterson, group managing director for consumer at BT.

"We know that our customers are just as keen to reduce their environmental impact and, through these phones, we will jointly make a significant difference. "

BT estimated that replacing all its Dect cordless and fixed-line phones with more energy-efficient models will cut 195,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the next three years, the equivalent of taking 19,000 cars off the road for the same period.

The new devices should also save consumers more than £39m through reduced electricity bills, according to the telco.

BT has reduced the amount of packaging for each phone, and has replaced the user guides with smaller 'quick-start' leaflets. Detailed guides are available online or on request via the phone.

The first phones in the new range are the Graphite 1500 with answering machine, Graphite 1100, Freestyle 610 and Freestyle 650 with answering machine.

The phones are available now from Argos, the BT Shop and other leading retailers.