Tesco backs plan to make its staff green

Tesco today backed a radical Tory plan to persuade companies to insulate their staff's homes and slash their energy bills.

Firms would be able to offset reductions in CO2 emitted from their employees' home against targets they have to meet on cutting greenhouse gases.

Shadow housing minister Grant Shapps today unveiled the Carbon Co-operation Plan at the Tory annual rally in Birmingham.

He suggested many workers could save £155, or even more, on their energy bill under the scheme, which could be a tax-free perk, and is also being promoted as an example of good corporate social responsibility.

A Tesco spokesman said: "By involving our 280,000 staff, we could reduce emissions and stimulate a grassroots revolution in green action."