The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has congratulated more than 160 leading London organisations for actively 'going green', saving £1,000s off energy bills and cutting carbon emissions to boost the capital's global competitive edge.

The Mayor was hosting a City Hall event for members of the Green500 and Better Buildings Partnership - programmes which provide support to cut carbon emissions in line with the Mayor's target of a 60% reduction by 2025 and in doing so, save at least 20% off their energy bills. The Green500 now has 154 large businesses and public sector members and the Better Building Partnership has 11 members representing London's leading commercial property owners.

The Mayor singled out 17 members of the Green500 who have already signed up to detailed carbon reduction action plans since its launch last year. They include household names such as Talkback Thames, Boots, Chelsea FC, Pret, Tate & Lyle and Addison Lee. In addition, more than half of the Green500 members have completed an assessment to identify specific carbon savings, which will be used to develop tailored action plans.

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The Green500 programme is unique in the UK as it rewards organisations for genuine carbon reductions. In this way, members are able contribute directly to the Mayor's carbon targets. The Green500 has a target to cut London's emissions by 1.5 million tonnes, saving at least £2.5million in energy bills.

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.

"Creating a low carbon, clean and more pleasant city that exploits new 'green' technologies is a key part of my vision to help London through the downturn. An attractive, less polluted city, is a place where people will want to live, work and visit. Top name London companies from all sectors are here today to demonstrate their commitment to cutting the capital's carbon emissions. I urge others to do the same."

(CD/JM)