WHERE ARE THE 'AREAS FOR A BEAUTIFUL FUTURE' IN GREAT BRITAIN?
We found out who the greenest Brits are with our 'Areas for a Beautiful Future' index.
The greenest communities
With public and political attention on climate change at an all-time high, Smart Energy GB asked communities across Great Britain what they are doing to help benefit the environment.
We then created 'Areas for a Beautiful Future', our new index that recognises communities taking steps to help create a greener future, based on two simple actions people in these areas are taking - getting a smart meter and recycling.
Who comes out top?
West Lothian came out top over all, with residents recycling 61% of waste and 43% of households having a smart meter installed.
What's holding us back?
75% of Brits think they could be more energy efficient and 33% are worried about their children or grandchildren's futures, so why aren't we living more sustainably?
Our poll showed that 20% of us think it costs too much, and one in 10 feel they won't make an impact as one individual, but with the 'Areas for a Beautiful Future' index we are challenging these beliefs.
What steps can we take?
- Take shorter showers
- Boil only the amount of water you need in the kettle
- Switch lights off in empty rooms
- Use a reusable water bottle
- Turn off appliances rather than leaving them on standby
'Areas for a Beautiful Future' ambassador, presenter and environmentalist Helen Skelton, said "Small actions really do add up to make a difference. By getting a smart meter you're taking a small step towards a more sustainable future for everyone."
It doesn't cost you anything and is easy to do. You can request yours here.
Leading the way
These are the areas leading the way across Scotland, England and Wales.
| Scotland | England | Wales | |
| 1 | West Lothian | Cheshire West and Chester | Bridgend |
| 2 | Clackmannanshire | East Riding of Yorkshire | Merthyr Tydfil |
| 3 | Falkirk | Tewkesbury | Torfaen |
| 4 | Fife | Kingston upon Hull, City of | Newport |
| 5 | East Ayrshire | Tameside | Rhondda Cynon Taf |
| 6 | Midlothian | Wakefield | Blaenau Gwent |
| 7 | South Ayrshire | Daventry | Flintshire |
| 8 | North Ayrshire | East Devon | Vale of Glamorgan |
| 9 | East Lothian | Stafford | Neath Port Talbot |
| 10 | Inverclyde | Barnsley | Wrexham |
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- Time-of-use tariffs: the benefits - Smart time-of-use tariffs could save you money on your energy bills, and support a cleaner, greener energy system.
- Smart meter benefits - Find out why millions of people have already had smart meters installed.
