Garden centre chain Wyevale has published a consultation document called the Ten Commitments detailing how it will deliver its plan to become carbon neutral by 2010.

The document outlines how the company, which is owned by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, will work in partnerships with its suppliers, consumer organisations and third parties to achieve carbon neutrality.

Speaking to the Horticultural Trades Association annual conference in Chester, Wyevale sustainability director Dr Alan Knight pinpointed ten areas where the retailer will focus its environmental and sustainability strategies.

The initiatives highlighted include saving water, working with nature, protecting endangered forests and peat bogs and examining food sources.

The retailer will ensure its supply chain benefits everyone wherever products are sourced and encourage carbon positive gardening and sustainable lifestyles.

The retailer has formed a steering group of non-governmental organisations, key influencers, suppliers and customers to discuss their views on the plans.

The consultation period will last until the end of December and it will report on progress by the end of February next year.

Wyevale chairman Jim Hodkinson said: “We recognise the vital importance of environmental issues to our business and our Ten Commitments will demonstrate that we are serious about adhering to a meaningful green agenda to guide our future development.”

Dr Alan Knight said: “If we are to enjoy gardening, we must do so in way that has a zero to very low carbon footprint. Everybody – retailers, suppliers, customers, you and me – has a role to play in that.”