UK 'most efficient' out of world's top 12 economies

The UK ranks first among the world's 12 largest economies for reducing pollution and emissions through industry, transport and buildings, according to a report issued this month by the Washington-based American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

According to the report, the UK beat out America (ranked 9th in the research, thanks to an ongoing love affair with gas guzzling cars) and China (largest carbon polluter in the world) to claim the crown, after concerted efforts to reduce energy waste and emissions by the government and consumers alike.

Energy secretary Ed Davey cheered the news, saying: "Energy efficiency sits at the heart of our policies to encourage low-carbon growth."

However, despite the UK's gold medal-winning status, the performance still leaves a lot to be desired - according to the ACEEE ranking, Britain scored just 67 points out of a possible 100.

And the ranking has been thrown into doubt by European green groups, who admit to being "puzzled" by the UK's high flying score.

"Frankly, many of us were surprised by the results," admitted ACEEE senior policy associate Sara Hates.

And the chair for the European Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ECEEE) Nils Borg concurred, telling EurActive: "The UK may very well be the most energy-efficient country in their ranking, but this does not mean it is the most energy-efficient country in Europe."

Whatever the true ranking of the UK, there's still a lot more homeowners and tradespersons can do - not just to achieve the top billing in an energy report, but to drive down energy usage and reduce the cost to install hardware such as LED lighting.

And simple measures such as turning off light switches when not in use and insulating homes can also contribute to the energy spend of a nation as a whole, as well as saving customers money.