An environmental charity has said that the good work must continue in a bid to hold off climate change

The carbon footprint of Scottish homes has dropped since climate change legislation was introduced.

Householders have dropped their energy consumption by an average of 25% since the Climate Change Act was passed in 2009.

WWF Scotland has said the improvement is down to the growth of renewables, more efficient homes and appliances, and government climate change policies.

New climate change legislation is being considered by the Scottish government, and WWF’s acting head of policy Gina Hanrahan said that efforts should continue to cut emissions.

She said: “The Scottish Parliament’s first Climate Change Act put us at the forefront of a global energy transition. These figures show that individuals across Scotland and governments at every level have played a part in cutting the climate damage of our home energy usage. When it comes to cutting our emissions, and protecting ourselves, the places and nature we hold dear from the worst effects of climate change, we all need to continue to do our bit.

“This analysis shows Scotland’s low-carbon transition is working, but we must step up our efforts. A new climate change bill this year is an opportunity to double down on our commitments to make our homes more energy efficient, to increase the use of renewables to heat homes, and put Scotland on the path to a zero-carbon future.”