The Formula One Teams' Association says it wants the sport to reduce its carbon emissions over the next three years ahead of planned rule changes which it is hoped will further enhance the fuel efficiency of cars.

The FIA's proposed rule changes to reduce CO2 first saw light in 2007 and the teams are now pushing ahead with those plans following pressure from sponsors who want be associated with a "green" product.

FOTA's chairman, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, said that F1's resource restriction agreement, announced last year, was already having an effect on reducing emissions.

However, he added that teams and motor sport's governing body were also working on new rules for the 2013 season which would see more fuel efficient engines and drivetrains.

"The good news is that, in conjunction with the FIA's and FOTA's recent successful efforts to improve efficiencies and restrict resources applied to Formula One, it has already been possible to reduce Formula One's total carbon emissions," Whitmarsh said.

"Moreover, building on what we have already achieved, and extrapolating what is now being planned, we anticipate that by 2012 Formula One will have reduced its total carbon emissions by 12.4 per cent compared with 2009.

"With the support of all its member teams, FOTA has committed to the continuation of this programme, and has undertaken to maintain continuous and independent analysis and assessment in order to ensure that these carbon emissions reduction targets are met or bettered, and to investigate where further carbon emissions reduction opportunities may exist. Measurement and management, in other words."

He added: "In addition, the FIA and FOTA are already working together to tailor the 2013 technical regulations to ensuring that all engines and powertrains used in Formula One by that date will showcase, and provide a platform for the ongoing development of, technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency.

"This is a very exciting time for Formula One, and I am delighted that our sport has been able to take a global environmental lead in this way."