Big firms join the Mayor's green scheme

MAJOR companies such as Chelsea Football Club, Boots and Pret a Manger have signed up to a green business scheme led by Boris Johnson.

More than 150 businesses are taking part in the Green500 project.

Run by the Mayor's business board, the London Development Agency, it aims to give companies advice on how to reduce carbon emissions in line with his target of a 60 per cent cut by 2025.

"Carbon mentors" will highlight ways to save at least 20 per cent on energy bills. Companies will then be awarded bronze, silver or gold status by the LDA.

Today Mr Johnson praised the members of Green500, as well as a further 11 businesses who are part of the Better Buildings Partnership. Also led by the LDA, the partnership aims to give members advice on introducing policies such as turning off computers and refitting heating systems.

The Mayor said: "In lean economic times, there are real financial savings to be made for businesses by becoming more energy efficient, helping them to remain competitive. This can often be done in really simple and cheap ways, and it is our job in City Hall to rally, support and publicly recognise organisations that want to do so."

The Mayor was hosting a City Hall event for members of the Green500 and Better Buildings Partnership.

He singled out 17 members of the Green500 who have already signed up to detailed carbon reduction plans since the programme's launch last year. They include Talkback Thames, Boots, Chelsea FC, Pret and Tate & Lyle.