WEST Dunbartonshire Council is Scotland's most energy efficient public body.

It ranked 59th out of 2097 authorities and companies in the UK in the Carbon Reduction Commitment Performance League Table 2011-12.

The council was praised for reducing its emissions by over 18%.

Others who performed well included The Scottish Court Service, The SECC, FirstGroup and Stagecoach Group.

Institutions singled out for having done little to minimise their carbon footprint included The University of the West of Scotland, Thomas Tunnock Ltd and publishers DC Thomson & Co Ltd.

Last year West Dunbartonshire became the first UK local authority to pass the Carbon Masters Standard, an emissions reduction scheme.

Kevin Houston, chief executive of Carbon Masters, said: "It is very rewarding to see West Dunbartonshire top the league table among public sector organisations in Scotland.

"It is now reaping the rewards, reputationally, for demonstrating its commitment to sustainability."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk