Theatres in London looking to improve their green credentials are being offered free help to identify and implement more energy efficient practices.

The Theatres Trust and the London Development Agency (LDA) have teamed up to offer free green audits as well as subsidised membership to the Green Tourism for London initiative.

Theatres that commit to have their grading visit with Green Tourism for London before the end of March 2010 will receive a subsidy of 50 per cent off their membership plus no joining fee.

Theatre managers are invited to a free morning workshop on Friday 23 October at Arcola Theatre, East London - a fitting venue as it aims to be the world's first carbon-neutral theatre.

Speakers at the workshop include Mhora Samuel of the Theatres Trust, Jon Proctor of Green Tourism for London, Arcola director Ben Todd and Alison Tickell, director of Julie's Bicycle and coordinator of the Greater London Authority/Arts Council Greening Theatres initiative.

Attendees will also have the chance to talk one-to-one with the speakers and with expert advisors from Green Tourism for London, plus some invited green theatre suppliers.

Green Tourism for London is a scheme supported by the Mayor of London, Boris more than 100 businesses to improve their energy and resource management and save costs.

The Mayor has a target to cut carbon emissions in the capital by 60 per cent by 2025 and create a low carbon economy promoting new green skills.

Members also receive a grading which is recognised by VisitBritain and Visit London and promoted to visitors to the capital.

Ben Todd of Julie's Bicycle, said: "Many London theatres could save 25 per cent of their energy bills if they followed Green Tourism for London advice."

The new, three-year Theatres Trust ECOVENUE initiative provides free environmental audits to small premises in the capital.