CO2 emissions in the St Albans district are the second highest in the country. The district s residents have one of the largest carbon footprints producing 14.22 tonnes of CO2 according to the study commissioned by superstore ASDA and carried out by York

CO2 emissions in the St Albans district are the second highest in the country.

The district's residents have one of the largest carbon footprints producing 14.22 tonnes of CO2 according to the study commissioned by superstore ASDA and carried out by York University's Centre for Sustainability Accounting (CenSA).

It showed East Herts residents topping the table by producing 14.68 tonnes of CO2, closely followed by St Albans.

A spokesperson for Asda said: "Surprisingly, it is not London residents who have the largest carbon footprint but those in South-East England and the London commuter belt, with people in the north-east being the most environmentally friendly."

St Albans District Council (SADC) has set itself a target of reducing CO2 output by three per cent a year with an overall reduction of 60 per cent by 2025.

A spokesperson said: "The council is improving its energy efficiency in its civic offices, putting solar panels on the roof and installing energy-efficient lights to reduce its carbon emissions by 25 per cent over the next five years. But the challenge is for all 133,000 residents to be part of the solution in the fight against climate change."

Cllr Mike Ellis, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, pointed out that 50 per cent of CO2 emissions came from transport and urged residents to use the bus and cycle more and drive their cars less.

He added: "As 30 per cent of the CO2 emissions come from our use of energy in the home, we can insulate lofts and cavity walls and use energy-efficient light bulbs."

Blob/The top 10 most environmentally friendly places feature Gateshead and Tyneside respectively in first and second place with CO2 emissions of just under 11 tonnes.