Campaign to increase environmental awareness
Homebase has launched a competition designed to bolster its green credentials by reducing waste and energy consumption.

Working in partnership with the Woodland Trust, it will allow stores to rack up green points over a 12-month period by improving recycling, cutting water, energy and carrier bag use and sending less rubbish to landfill.

The winning store will be named Homebase Green Store Champion and have an acre of woodland dedicated to it. Store managers will also be able to award prizes to individuals and teams for outstanding commitment to the campaign.

The retailer hopes the scheme will help staff become more knowledgeable about the environment and aware of the difference they can make by changing everyday practices.

Homebase sustainability manager Charles Drew said: 'This is one of many programmes to catch the imagination of our store colleagues and lead to improvements in overall company waste targets.

'Many stores have good working practices in place and this scheme will enable the most successful processes to be shared throughout the network. Locally, stores will continue to work with community groups to support any local initiatives, which will earn stores additional green points.'

Packages will be sent to stores with ideas and advice on increasing energy efficiency and staff will be able to track their progress on a special intranet site. Volunteer green champions will also be appointed in each store to take charge of the campaign in addition to their regular role.