BUSINESSES in Dorchester are being urged to go green as part of a new initiative to save energy.

Staff at shops and offices in Dorchester town centre will be offered free energy efficient light bulbs and advice about how to save power.

The project, which is being funded by West Dorset District Council and supported by Dorchester Chamber of Trade, will see staff being offered free advice about insulation and heating grants as well as being asked to fill out energy questionnaires in return for free light bulbs.

Advisors from the Dorset Energy Advice Centre and environmental charity Dorset Agenda 21 are planning to visit shops and offices in Cornhill and South Street on 15 May.

It is hoped the project will help people save energy, which will save them money and also help the environment.

It is estimated that each household in West Dorset causes the release of about six tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. CO2 is produced when fossil fuels (gas, coal and oil) are burned to produce energy to provide electricity and heating in homes. Once released into the atmosphere CO2 forms a blanket around the earth, trapping heat and causing climate change.

Mike Selley, of West Dorset District Council's private sector housing team, said: "This is an innovative project which is taking the energy saving message out on to the streets.

"We want to let people know that we can help them save energy, save money and help address climate change on a local level."

Alistair Chisholm, president of Dorchester Chamber of Trade, said: "West Dorset is a low wage area, so anything we can do to help people maximise their incomes is a good thing.

"Climate change is no longer an issue which can be ignored. Already this year it has been extraordinarily warm. We have to take responsibility and act, irrespective of what the rest of the world is doing. If everyone does their bit and saves some energy we can make a difference."

Last year West Dorset District Council helped more than 1,000 households get grants to help save energy. Grants are available whatever your income. Find out more by calling West Dorset District Council on 01305 251010 or visit www.deac.org.uk