Delaval M&S worker gets help to go green

M&S and the trust's North East advice centre are working together to help employees save energy, cut water use and reduce waste.

The aim is to make it easy for staff to get to grips with energy saving and get them to transfer their good green habits from home to work and back again.

Erica Royle of the trust said: "The home energy report gives the low and no cost measures that can be taken, like insulation, energy-saving bulbs and radiator controls and also about grants and schemes available to help you do it.

"If people are starting to apply energy saving principles at home this will carry over into the workplace to start reducing bills and carbon emissions."

Taking a thorough look around Christine's flat, Sue was able to give Christine advice on cavity wall insulation, lighting, standby and heating, as well as grants for which she may be eligible to help her with the cost of home improvements.

Sue said: "You don't need to make big changes, a lot of it is about behaviour."

Christine, 36, said the process had made her think about where she could save energy and also food.

She said: "I think more people should get involved in this. Before I never thought about how much energy I was using, but now I'm going to keep an eye on it and I'm sure I will see my bills come down."

Alice Osborne, VM Manager and Plan A co-ordinator at M&S Newcastle, said: "The Energy Saving Trust advice centre have been a great support to Marks & Spencer in Newcastle, putting access to expert energy saving advice at our employees' finger tips.

"As well as personal home energy saving tips, other advice is offered including how to drive more efficiently. All of these benefit employees because they ultimately save money.

"We benefit because Marks & Spencer employees get the opportunity to learn how to adopt a greener lifestyle."

The Energy Saving Trust offers free packages to businesses interested in going green. For information visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk