The firm’s Rosi Watson admits the company has not talked about their green credentials as much as their rivals.

But the head of corporate responsibility for the group explained it was because it wants to be certain about what is says.

Ms Watson explained how the group’s successful 21st Century Living Project has examined how it and people’s carbon footprint can be cut.

The project took 100 customers from Homebase, selected randomly though it’s loyalty card scheme, and offered them £500 to spend on eco-improvements.

The participants matched this funding and the group monitored how they reduced their carbon footprints.

Finding from the report have moved the group to call for ‘radical reform’ of utility bills and ‘simple interventions’ at people’s work to convince them to go green.

It also turned up some interesting fact revealing people on lower incomes were more likely to invest in green money saving initiatives.

It also gives lessons for policy makers and argues for smart metres to be rolled out around the country straight away.

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe