Fire stations are normally associated with the colour red but the one in Ilford has been fitted with a range of energy saving measures designed to make it greener.

The fire station is the first to be completed under the Mayor's building energy efficiency programme to save energy in public buildings. Installations include photovoltaic panels, a new high efficiency boiler and upgraded lighting. The measures are estimated to cut CO2 emissions at Ilford by more than 40%.

London Mayor Boris Johnson visited the appropriately named Green Watch alongside London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority chairman Brian Coleman, and London fire commissioner Ron Dobson.

“This project is a good example of the work London Fire Brigade is doing to cut CO2 emissions," said Brian Coleman. "Ilford is the first station to benefit from the building energy efficiency programme and another nine are nearing completion. The fire service may be best known for helping Londoners in an emergency, but the range of sustainability projects we are involved in is another important way we can protect our city."

The other stations included in the project are at Greenwich, Heston, Holloway, Homerton, Ilford, Norbury, North Kensington, Romford, Westminster and Woodford.