Dec. 14, 2007 Large companies including IKEA, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer have agreed to a carbon-cutting mentorship program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the British capital. The new Green 500 program, introduced by London mayor Ken Livingstone, offers practical guidance and support for big businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

Following an initial carbon assessment, participating companies will work with a "carbon mentor" to develop and implement an emissions reduction plan. The companies have committed to publishing yearly progress reports.

Also this week Livingstone launched the Better Buildings Partnership, a collaboration between London's largest commercial landlords to improve the carbon efficiency of existing commercial property in the capital. Members of the scheme have committed to setting and achieving emissions targets for their property portfolios and finding new solutions to sustainable building challenges.

Livingstone's Climate Change Action Plan, launched in February of this year, aims to cut the city's emissions 60% by 2025.