Lib Dem councillors Caroline Salmon (Holmwoods), Paul Elderton (Dorking North) and Conservative councillor James Friend (Westcott) have all got involved.

Cllr Friend said he was happy to take part in the public contest.

He said: "I have been tracking our carbon footprint for the past two years and I am delighted to take this opportunity to compare progress with fellow councillors and members of the public."

He installed extra insulation in his Westcott home and has recently switched to a car running on bio-fuel to keep his footprint down.

He will be competing against the likes of Derek Smith who has ditched his car for short journeys.

Mr Smith has vowed to cycle six-mile shopping trips from his Leatherhead home to Dorking and Epsom, as part of the challenge.

Mr Smith, 62, of Copthorne Road, Leatherhead, said: "I would never dream of going in my car to Epsom anymore, and for many people, if they are a bit more motivated, should be capable of doing the same."

But Cllr Salmon said she won't forgo using her 47mpg Honda Jazz Sport to get about.

She said: "There are so many things you can't control, like using your car to get to work, and if I have to go to London, I am not going to go by train."

She added: "I have already got my solar panels and 10-inch thick insulation but I am sure that I won't do that well.

"I believe everyone should be open and transparent, and that is why I am doing it."

Also competing will be Margaret Hibbert, of Eastwick Drive, Bookham, who thinks she is going to struggle with slashing car journeys.

She said: "I make car journeys with a lot of miles.

"If you haven't got elderly parents to visit in the north and the Midlands that might help, but I would not want to give them up. I also have a teenage son and I am inevitably driving him around."

The forum will reveal the best results achieved by a councillor and a resident in February 2011.