With derby day fast approaching, Canaries fans traditionally do all they can to avoid being associated with their bitter rivals at the other end of the A140.

With derby day fast approaching, Canaries fans traditionally do all they can to avoid being associated with their bitter rivals at the other end of the A140.

But this year fans from both Norwich City and Ipswich Town are being urged to team up in an audacious bid to create sporting history - as well as do their bit for the environment.

Norwich's rivals are trying to make the forthcoming tie, being played at Portman Road on Sunday, November 19, what is believed to be the first ever completely carbon neutral major sporting event in the UK.

It is part of a scheme involving the Blues and their main sponsor E.On, the energy company, to make people aware of the impact of carbon emissions on climate change.

As part of Ipswich's new Save Energy for the Blues challenge, supporters are being asked to pledge to make various changes to cut their carbon emissions, and once they reach a certain target the club gets money towards the buying of new players.

Although Norwich fans are not being asked to help boost their main rivals' transfer budget, they are being challenged to look at the way they travel to the game and ensure it is as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Measures they can take include car sharing or getting to the game via bus or train, which will reduce carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, fans watching the drama unfold on television can take steps such as using energy efficient light-bulbs in the room or ensuring they do not leave the TV on standby once the drama is over.

It is then hoped that the match will be classed as carbon neutral, if as much carbon dioxide has been saved through measures taken by fans, as is created at the match.

Today, Canaries' spokesman Joe Ferrari urged fans to take the issue as seriously as possible.

He said: “The club do take this issue seriously and have signed up to a travel plan all about measures designed to encourage people to use public transport to get to the game.

“Obviously it is difficult for clubs like ours because we have a large rural fanbase, but there are other measures people can take such as car sharing.”

Roy Blower, chairman of the Norwich City Independent Supporters Association, said: “I think for the Ipswich game a lot of people prefer to go on the train anyway because of the atmosphere.

“But I think fans do already car share and I don't know anyone who travels to a game alone anymore.

“It is important that fans think about ways they can help reduce climate change in getting to games and I support 100pc any efforts by teams to get involved.”

Individuals and households can take practical steps personally, and by influencing others, to reduce the size of their environmental footprint by:

1 reducing, reusing and recycling waste

2 reducing energy use, for example by using energy efficient products

3 buying renewable energy

4 Making different travel choices - walking and cycling more, reducing carbon emissions by flying less or using public transport instead of the car

5 Using their power as consumers, investors and electors to demand more sustainable goods and services.

6 Taking part in and supporting improvements to their local area

7 Making their voice heard: debating the issues, helping to raise awareness, supporting the demand for change.

There are a number of websites dedicated to setting up car shares to and from Norwich City's matches. These include www.footballcarshare.co.uk and www.freewheelers.co.uk/Norwich_City_Football.

For more information about reducing carbon emissions log on to www.carbonneutral.com