Greenhouse gas 'offenders' named

The UK exceeded its quota of carbon permits in 2005

Reading has been identified in a study as the UK's worst offending town for carbon dioxide emissions.

The average household there emits the same amount of carbon dioxide as flying 13,000 miles by Boeing 747 each year - 27% above average, British Gas said.

Reading homes produce 6.8 tons (6,189kg) of damaging gases - equal to two London-to-New York return flights.

Leicester and Bradford came second and third, while Hull, Southampton and Plymouth had the lowest emissions.

Highest CO2 emitting UK cities Reading 6.8 tons (6,189kg) Leicester 6.1 tons (5,565kg) Bradford 6.1 tons (5,539kg) Sunderland 6.1 tons (5,504kg) Birmingham 6 tons (5,424kg)

The report, which studied 23 cities, suggests that the size of properties in the south east and the "vibrant economy" of the city has led to higher levels of gas, electricity and oil being used during the day.

However, Brighton and Hove was among the cities with one of the lowest emissions - 5.4 tons (4,905kg).

Alternatively, it also suggested "the relative wealth of Reading's residents means that they are less frugal with their energy".

Jill Harrison, head of consumer affairs at British Gas, said about 25% of UK carbon emissions was generated in domestic properties.

Contrast

Lowest CO2 emitting UK cities Derby 5.3 tons (4,814kg) Glasgow City 5.08 tons (4,611kg) Southampton 5.02 tons (4,563kg) Plymouth 5 tons (4,447kg) Hull 4.9 tons (4,395kg)

"The difference between the areas of the UK with low domestic carbon dioxide emissions and those producing high emissions is staggering," she said.

Reading's gas consumption is in contrast with Hull, where homes produce on average 40% less carbon dioxide.

Hull's gas consumption is 19% below the UK's average and its electricity use is 15% below the average, the survey discovered.

Ben Tuxworth, strategy director for environment charity Forum for the Future, said: "This report comes as a wake up call to those who think reducing domestic carbon dioxide emissions is a luxury for the wealthy.

"If the rich are using over three times as much energy as the poor, we need to incentivise them to clean up their act."