Thousands of businesses and organisations were yesterday warned that they need to register to take part in a scheme to encourage them to cut emissions by saving energy.

With 50 days to go until the deadline for registering for the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), around two-thirds of the estimated 3,500 to 4,000 companies and public sector bodies who must take part have yet to register.

Some 1,229 organisations, including Sainsbury’s, hotel company Hilton, the National Theatre and the London Fire Brigade, already registered for the scheme, which rewards those who do most to cut their energy use and penalises those who do least.

The government is urging the remaining organisations which have to participate to sign up now – and take steps to save energy and money on bills.

Large public and private sector organisations have to register with the Environment Agency by September 30 for the scheme, which will force them to buy credits for their emissions.

Those which do most to boost energy efficiency, in a league table which will be produced each year, will get a 10 per cent bonus while those which take the least action will pay a 10 per cent penalty.

Action already taken by organisations trying to go greener will also be recognised under the scheme.

The London Fire Brigade saved £260,000 in the past year through energy efficiency measures, and has reduced its emissions from buildings by 18 per cent on 1990s levels.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “The new coalition government wants to boost energy efficiency in business because we know that saving energy saves money.

“The CRC will encourage significant savings through greater energy efficiency and importantly will make carbon a boardroom issue for many large organisations.

“My message to businesses today is to register now.”

He added: “I understand the original complexity of the scheme may have deterred some organisations and I want to hear suggestions as to how we can make the scheme simpler in the future.”