PEOPLE in Nottingham are greener than in other big cities, according to new figures.

Carbon emissions per head fell by 21 per cent from 6.5 tonnes in 2005 to 5.5 in 2009.

This is one of the biggest decreases in the UK, with Nottingham having the lowest emissions per head of all of the largest UK cities, excluding London.

Councillor Alan Clarke, Nottingham City portfolio holder for energy and sustainability, said: "Because of the way this data is collected there is a two-year time lag in reporting and we are confident that our performance figures for 2010 and 2011 will be even better."

The Nottingham figures, compiled by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, report a 20 per cent reduction in emissions for industry and commerce, 16 per cent from domestic energy and 10 per cent from roads.

Councillor Clarke added: "The city's reduced carbon footprint is down to more public awareness which has seen an increased use of public transport and a greater use of renewable energy, like solar panels."

Around 500 homes in Aspley have had solar panels fitted.