An environmental group has drawn up plans to make Sutton a model for environmental living.

A draft sustainability action plan, created by BioRegional will show Sutton Council how it can improve its environmental credentials.

It suggests how the council can work with its partners, businesses and residents to encourage people to live greener lifestyles.

The plans were approved by the council earlier this month.

They include building energy-efficient homes, promoting greener travel, reducing the amount of waste and encouraging people to buy food from local suppliers.

BioRegional has set out how the borough’s demands on natural resources can be reduced.

The proposals include advisors visiting homes to carry out energy audits, and helping residents install insulation, as well as energy-saving light bulbs and water saving devices.

The proposals say that all council buildings should be powered by renewable energy by 2017.

A programme will also be established to fit existing homes with solar panels or other renewable energy technology.

Following the meeting of the council's decision making body, the plan will now have a six month consultation.

Councillor Sean Brennan, Sutton Council leader, said: “The way we live our lives in Sutton and the impact this has on the environment needs to change.

“In these difficult economic times many of the changes are excellent ways to save money, such as using the car less or thinking about energy efficiency in the home.

“Sutton Council wants to build a community in which all can take part and all can take pride, both now and in the future.”

Jessica Hodge at BioRegional, said: "It is important that we act locally to combat climate change and One Planet Living - living within our fair share of the earth’s resources, shows us how.

“We aim to make it easy and affordable for residents to live sustainably but it’s going to take action from everyone in the borough to make it happen. Find out what you can do at www.oneplanetsutton.org