Marks & Spencer is currently in talks with the Government over its 'Green Deal' policy, which aims to make up to 14m homes more energy efficient.
Legislation to start the process of establishing the Green Deal is due to be introduced into Parliament next month, and it is expected to be available from Autumn 2012.

Under the scheme, high street retailers would be encouraged to provide and install energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation and solar panels for UK households. Homeowners would not be faced with upfront costs, but would pay for the improvements through their energy bills.

An M&S spokesperson confirmed to DIY Week that talks between the retailer and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) were "ongoing", but declined to comment further.

Marks & Spencer already offers home insulation and solar panels through its home energy service M&S Energy.

Other companies supporting the scheme include British Gas and B&Q parent Kingfisher. Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher ceo, said: "The Coalition Government's flagship 'Green Deal' scheme offers great potential to revolutionise the home efficiency market. This will go a long way towards helping the UK to meet its ambitious climate change targets. We look forward to working together to help people save money and cut carbon in their homes."

According to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne, the Green Deal is set to create up to 100,000 jobs over the next five years.