Dirty dozen councils UK's worst

The research is contained in the trust's Green Barometer report

More than a dozen of Northern Ireland's council areas top the league of the UK's biggest energy wasters, a campaign group has suggested.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) said that for the first time research can reveal the biggest offenders by council area and even by street.

County Down had one of the highest CO2 rates per household while Belfast had the lowest in the UK.

EST said it could now target households with information and advice.

This would help them cut home energy consumption, related to the type of property they live in and their individual needs.

The research is contained in the trust's Green Barometer report: Green Barometer III.

Noel Williams, the EST in Northern Ireland, said the report was not about singling out local authorities.

"Each area is unique and has its own challenges and opportunities. We can tailor advice to local authorities and the individuals who live within their areas," he said.

"This wealth of information at our fingertips means householders are more likely to receive the information they need to act to curb their carbon emissions."

The 12 Northern Ireland regions with the highest CO2 emissions are: Down, Omagh, Magherafelt, Ballymena, Antrim, Cookstown, Banbridge, Armagh, Dungannon, Newry and Mourne, Moyle and Fermanagh.