GREEN activists have praised Plymouth City Council for setting "ambitious" targets to cut the city's carbon footprints.

But members of the environmental group, Friends of the Earth, warned they would be watching to make sure the city delivers.

A study has shown the council's carbon footprint is 121,737 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2006/07.

The council has drawn up an action plan to reduce emissions by 20 per cent by 2013, 60 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.

Speaking at Plymouth's first eco business fair, Katie Higgins of Friends of the Earth, said: "It's a really ambitious target and it's great that they have shown leadership.

"But we want to make sure that there is the political will to deliver."

Steve Whiteway, of Print Copy Scan, who organised the fair in Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, said businesses need to go green to avoid the risks of Government penalties.

"Eventually even the smallest businesses will be taxed for their carbon footprint," he said.

"But on the good side. they will benefit from the savings they make.

"We want to work with Plymouth to create a better environment for the city – and to do it now."

Among the businesses and organisations at the fair was the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute.

Marketing director Paul Wright, said the university was heavily involved in environmental initiatives, including the Wave Hub to harness tidal energy, and the new Marine building at North Cross.