Tech giant Intel is backing a new competition among Co Kildare businesses to aid them in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The Leixlip-based microchip maker is sponsoring Sustainable Kildare, a competition involving up to 300 companies in the Leinster county, the first round of which kicks off this month among 75 rivals.

Workers in each small or medium-sized business taking part are encouraged to save as much carbon dioxide as possible by registering emission-cutting activities and making changes to their own lifestyles.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Kildare South TD Martin Heydon, Kildare Chamber chief executive Allan Shine and Intel's external relations manager Lisa Harlow launched the competition this week.