MORE than 2,600 jobs would be created if local councils in Notts insulated buildings and fitted green energy, Friends of the Earth said today.

The environmental campaigners said a new study showed the measures would also help slash climate-changing emissions.

The research – by social enterprise and environment experts Carbon Descent – is published to launch a new nationwide campaign calling for councils to 'Get Serious About CO2'.

Nigel Lee, for Nottingham Friends of the Earth, said: "Friends of the Earth wants all councils to commit to cutting carbon dioxide emissions in their local area by at least 40% by 2020 and to produce an action plan to show how this will be done.

"Some work has already been done, but councils can, and should, be doing a lot more. Jobs could be available as loft laggers, architects, plumbers, builders, electricians, plasterers, insulation specialists, etc. Many more jobs would be created if local businesses also got serious about CO2.

"We want to see much more ambitious plans to reduce emissions".