ZSL London Zoo is to become the first company to be accredited under a pioneering UK green low energy scheme.

London zoo will receive its �Low Energy Company' (LEC) status under a new national scheme launched this week by Low Energy (UK) Limited, a sister company to the Energy Managers Association.

The new LEC energy efficiency scheme is now set to become the largest industrial training course in the UK.

It will see large companies pledging to train a proportion of their employees and suppliers in sustainable behaviour.

NIFES Consulting Group, using their deep understanding of energy issues, developed specialist site specific training that was delivered to staff at the world-renowned zoo, giving them a good understanding of basic energy management skills

Lord Redesdale, who set up LEC last year, is reported to have predicted companies representing three to five million workers will become LEC Accredited in the next five years – making it the largest industrial training initiative in the UK.

The training was part of a wide range of services delivered to the zoo by NIFES, which advises and works with some of Britain's biggest companies and public sector organisations.

ZSL London Zoo, the first company to become fully accredited by the scheme, is hosting the official launch at its Penguin Beach exhibit, the largest penguin pool in the England.

Anthony Mayall is managing director of NIFES, which specialises in energy efficiency, engineering and property appraisal and asset management.

He said: "We are delighted to have helped in the launch of the LEC scheme through our training work with ZSL London Zoo.

"We believe the zoo will be the first of many as companies and organisations see the benefit that this scheme can bring them in their work to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards ever greater sustainability.

"The scheme also helps companies gain a better understanding of ways they can reduce their energy bills. And it encourages staff in all areas to make a contribution to that.

"Workers who undertake the training also have the benefit of skills and knowledge that can help them in the job marketplace.

"Another real positive of LEC is that it encourages companies and organisations to take the message and the training throughout the supply chain.

Low Energy (UK) Limited is reported to be seeking endorsement from the Department of Energy and Climate Change for the LEC scheme.