Free help at your green fingertips!

Let’s face it - it’s not always easy to keep up with ‘the times’.

With so many improvements in technology and new products being launched every year, it can be a struggle to know what really is ‘best’ for us. A lot of people stick with what they have got and make no improvements at all.

Looking around your office, you might notice that you are a business still living in the 70’s. You might be surrounded by dangerous looking heaters that never seem to warm you up and prehistoric PC’s that make more of a whirring noise than a silent hum. If this is the case, you are more than likely flushing your money and energy away. So, it could be time to look at some greener, more cost effective options.

As a green ambassador for the city’s environment capital goal, I have selected a number of businesses that offer a free audit or service so that you can find ways to improve your business.

Free lighting audit:

Due to various green loans available for both the public and private sector, Envirolighting and Lighting Electricians are offering a free audit to any organisation that wishes to explore how their current lighting setup can be improved.
Savings can be as high as 50% to 80% and, coupled with a green loan, organisations don’t need to allocate any funding themselves.

•    Envirolighting
•    Lighting Electricians

Free Energy Audit:

Utility Aid has helped hundreds of organisations make better use of their budgets and tariffs by offering free energy audits. By taking their advice, Athene Communications saved over 40% on their energy bill. This is over £1,300 a year!

•    Utility Aid

Free waste audit:

Viridor, Ameycespa and Veolia are 3 great local waste contractors that offer a free waste audit to ensure you are getting the best service and the right bins set up. 80% of the average waste bin can be recycled. So, if your recycling bin is filling up every week, then why not reduce your black bin collection to fortnightly? This can save hundreds of pounds each year.

•    Viridor
•    Amey Cespa
•    Veolia

Free water audit:

Hydrostat undertake a free desktop analysis and site survey assessing what simple interventions may be possible to reduce water waste. They will also review tariffs and your history to assess whether you are being correctly billed.
Almost all middle sized organisations have some capacity to reduce their water footprint. If your water bills are more than £2,500 then you will definitely make savings.

•    Hydrostat

Free cartridge and toner audit:

If you are thinking of switching from new to re-manufactured ink and toner cartridges, Cartridge World in Peterborough offer a free print audit and even pick up all your old ink and toner cartridges for free.

•    Cartridgeworld

For more information please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or click here...

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Fairtrade fortnight arrives in February

Fairtrade Fortnight  is set to arrive in Peterborough on Monday 27th February to Sunday 11th March. The fortnight will bring a series of Fairtrade events to the city which is designed to engage local businesses and support Peterborough’s ambition of becoming a Fairtrade City.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By promoting, stocking and buying Fairtrade, it is possible to support communities all over the world.

Events during the fortnight include Footprinting Werrington on the 26th February and 4th March, the Project Dirt Launch at the Green Backyard (29th February), a Fairtrade Stall at Werrington Village (1st March), and the Investors in the Environment Fairtrade Seminar, with talks from the Fairtrade organisation and a Kenyan Tea Producer (7th March).

Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has been working with Peterborough City Council and a group of keen volunteers to achieve Fairtrade targets in businesses, community groups and schools across the city over the previous year.

As part of the fortnight a free Fairtrade Seminar has been organised to take place at the Eco-Innovation Centre, on Tuesday 7th March at 2pm. All local businesses are being invited to attend, particularly if you are interested in stocking or promoting anything Fairtrade or even if you simply want to learn more about it. To book your place at the seminar, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What difference will you make in 2012?

New Year, new start, so why not start something different... make your business greener, more sustainable, and save money.

Businesses have a huge impact on groups of people and the community. From the  employees that depend on your business to the customers, suppliers and the local community that are all affected by what you do and how you deliver the end product/ service. Making a few minor changes can generate huge savings in your pockets and reduce the impact you have on the environment.

Follow these tips for a more sustainable business:

1. Start to monitor what you are using. No matter what industry you are in, there is no point implementing the latest technologies unless you know which part of your business is making the biggest impact on the environment. This will highlight quick fixes that are easy to implement and provide quick rewards.  Fixing a leaky tap could save you as much as 136 litres of water per day.

2. Divert your waste from landfill. Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled (Recycling Guide). Reducing your waste to landfill reduces your waste costs and your impact on the environment.  Get a free waste audit to ensure that you are using what works best for your business.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Introduce a ‘think before you print’ campaign, which is a great place to reduce your general consumption of ink, electricity and paper in one hit, and reuse any single sided paper as scrap paper. You could also start to bring your lunch in reusable containers. Depending on the industry you are in, you could even start to divert from landfill by posting any unwanted equipment or materials on Eastex or freecycle, which could save you the cost of transporting it to the local landfill.

4. Start a ‘Switch Off’ campaign. Office equipment accounts for around 15% of all electrical energy used in an average business.  Monitoring, and then reducing your electricity will save you money right away.  Switch off monitors, lights and electricals on standby when not in use. You could even get a free energy audit that could highlight areas which could save you more money.

5. Get an Environmental Accreditation. Get help and guidance on how you can reduce your carbon footprint and increase your bank balance.  Highlight your efforts and savings, share best practice, and demonstrate to your customers your commitment to the environment. Join Investors in the Environment, or go for ISO 14001. Whatever you choose this is a great way to get rewarded for all the hard work you put in.

6. Make going green fun by getting everyone involved. This could be as simple as everyone making a Green Pledge for 2012, taking part in local government environmental competitions or even having a monthly green event, such as a bring and share lunch. By doing this you are truly getting everyone involved and getting backing from your core staff to ensure the success of whatever you implement.

7. Only buy green. This could be anything from changing your teas and coffees to fair-trade or organic, to introducing a sustainable purchasing policy and greening up your suppliers.

8. Encourage your staff to LIVE and eat sustainably by becoming vegetarian or vegan! Animal protein production requires eight times the amount of fossil fuels compared to the production of plant protein, and 40% of the world's grain is being fed to animal stock to feed us! Becoming vegetarian or vegan saves approximately 90 animals per year, helps the environment on a number of levels and promotes healthier living.

For more tips on how to become greener or if you are doing it all and want to be recognised for it, contact Nilam on 01733 882547 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fairtrade is the future

As part of the aspiration to become Environment Capital, Peterborough is aiming to become a Fairtrade City, approved by the Fairtrade Foundation in time for Fairtrade Fortnight in February 2012.

Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is working with Peterborough City Council and a group of keen volunteers to achieve Fairtrade targets in businesses, community groups and schools across the city.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By promoting, stocking and buying Fairtrade, it is possible to support communities all over the world.

PECT’s Janine Starling said, “In a globalised world, ethical trade is increasingly important. Businesses can help make Peterborough a Fairtrade City, whilst improving their CSR and competitiveness.

“Support this initiative and help us achieve Fairtrade status by switching to Fairtrade in your staff rooms and canteens, holding a Fairtrade event to spread the word and highlighting the range of Fairtrade products available.”

Let us know what you already do or are planning to do for Fairtrade in your business. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for information, advice and to share ideas

Great insight to Peterborough Recycling facilities

Peterborough Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) opened their doors on the 9th November, to businesses and public that wanted to be educated on how recycling waste systems work.

Viridor, one of the UK's leading recycling, renewable energy and waste management companies, hosted 3 informative tours throughout the day. This opportunity allowed the 24 attendees to see what happens to the cans, paper, and plastics, which we place in the bin everyday. As well as experiencing the smells and vibrations, they saw how the combination of advanced mechanical sorting techniques, and hands on quality controls, ultimately sorts and prepares the raw materials for reuse.

Working with Viridor as part of Zero Waste Weeks (19th - 27th November), Kim Coley from Investors in the Environment, gave an informative talk on how to prepare, and execute the Zero Waste Week challenge.

As we have already started Zero Waste Week, here are some hints and tips, on how little habits can make a huge difference.

• Think REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, understand what you send to landfill is the key to know where to start
• Provide reusable bags for staff to use during lunch breaks
• Visit your local sandwich and coffee shops and ask if they could put your sandwich or jacket potato straight into a Tupperware tub rather than a disposable container? Could you take in a mug and have your coffee made straight into that?
• Find out if there’s help available – there are many schemes available to help businesses ‘re-home’ waste, from one-off items to ongoing waste streams. The Eastex materials exchange is a free, online service to help businesses keep waste out of landfill. Anything and everything can be ‘re-homed’ from potpourri and out of date food, to used cooking oil, and off cuts of  plastics. (www.eastex.org.uk) 
• Set up a composting system in your kitchen to collect fruit and vegetable waste, teabags, coffee grounds, and loo roll tubes. 
• How about setting up a wormery?

If you wish to take part in the FREE Zero Waste Week events lined up throughout the week. These include:

• 23rd November - Eco Craft Workshop
• 24th November - The Super 4 Seminar (IKEA Distribution Centre, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Anne Corder Recruitment and Bakkavor Freshcook)
• 26th November - Buy Nothing Day 

For the full details please click here

Please contact Nilam on 01733 882547 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , if you would like to join any of the above events, or if you would like more information on how to go ZERO WASTE.

Rethink – reduce, reuse, recycle

Zero Waste Week is an annual city-wide event aiming to encourage businesses to improve their waste management. Coinciding with European Waste Reduction Week it is taking place from 19th-27th November, lead by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) and Viridor.

This regional event partnered with Waste contractors Viridor, celebrates Peterborough’s legacy as the first UK city to gain ‘Zero Waste Place’ accreditation from Defra. This was achieved after PECT carried out an award-winning project that diverted over 3,200 tonnes of waste from landfill and saved over 1,500 tonnes of CO2. Zero Waste week is now being rolled out regionally to the East of England.

During the week, businesses are encouraged to go as far as possible towards eliminating waste. Following a free step-by-step guide, rethinking your waste is made easy. There are lots of tips on how to reduce consumption, ideas for reuse, sourcing recycled products and managing waste. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to cut costs, improve resource efficiency, and demonstrate environmental commitment.

PECT’s Chief Executive Rachel Huxley commented, “Taking part is free and could save your business money. Bring a pack lunch with reusable packaging, compost your banana peel, cancel those magazines that show up every week but you didn’t order! Simple changes can make a big difference.

“Tackling waste is a requirement for achieving environmental accreditation and many Investors in the Environment members have already signed up. All businesses are encouraged to take part, regardless of size or sector.”

Last year, Anne Corder Recruitment went paperless, saving thousands and received a Green Apple award. Mars Petcare, IKEA Distribution Centre Peterborough and Queensgate shopping centre are all on board, going zero waste to landfill.
Free events have been organised throughout Zero Waste Week. To find out more, to take part and to receive your free step-to-step guide, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

East Anglia's leading waste contractor Viridor sponsor Investors in the Environment

Leading recycling, renewable energy and waste management company Viridor becomes key partner of Investors in the Environment (IiE).

The newly signed partnership will ensure local businesses benefit from the expertise Viridor has in the environmental arena as well as contribute towards the city’s goal of becoming the UK’s Environment Capital.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Paul Rowland, regional manager for Viridor, commented: “We are proud to be supporting the IiE scheme. Managing the environmental aspects of any business and receiving recognition for such work is essential in today’s market.

“General awareness of environmental issues is increasing and with it the demand for products and services that are provided with care for the environment. The IiE scheme not only helps businesses improve their environmental record but provides them with an accountable way of demonstrating their achievements to their stakeholders.”

Kim Coley, Green Business Officer for Investors in the Environment said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Viridor as our new main sponsor. Being environmental experts, Viridor are a valuable business to having on board. They will provide vital support to the IiE scheme and will be a key resource for our members. Leading by example they are working towards IiE Green Level environmental accreditation.

“Meet the IiE team and Viridor at Peterborough’s Business Focus event this October in the new Green Business Hub arena. Also, during November’s Zero Waste Week Viridor will be hosting an insightful tour of their innovative waste plant.”

Viridor has a proven track record in managing the environmental aspects of its operations. It was the first company in its sector to implement an Environmental Management System across the company and achieve ISO 14001 certification at all its major operational sites. Currently Viridor operates all sites and services under its Business Management System, which includes safety, health, environmental and quality management systems certified to the international standards OHSA 18001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 respectively, ensuring continuous improvement in these key areas and providing assurance to customers and communities alike.

To speak to Viridor about their services please visit their website, or call  01733 555837.

Green PC venture is so very PC

Meridian Network Solutions Ltd, a Stamford-based business, are helping companies go greener through providing a green and cost effective option when replacing their computer hardware.

Meridian Network Solutions has joined forces with British manufacturer VeryPC which produces some of the most energy efficient, carbon neutrally-built PCs, servers and network storage devices in the world.

On first look, the most notable aspects of the PCs are their small, compact size and their silence. They are very quiet and help to reduce “office hum”, making them very suitable for call centres, help desks, open offices and receptions. So what about saving you money?

The typical three to five-year-old PC uses 115 watts of electricity (source: Gartner, 2008), whereas VeryPC’s BroadLeaf system uses only 25 watts.

This means that you can save up to £90 per PC, per year, on your electricity bill, depending on the model of PC purchased and its usage. With the recent news that energy prices are going up again (estimated 25% increase over the next 10 years), this saving could increase.

Aldrin Barter, Meridian Project Manager, says “with Peterborough being the UK’s Environmental Capital, this is a product for every business in the area,”

“Imagine how much you would save over the next five years, the standard warranty for these eco machines, if you replaced all of the PCs in your business .” These are the only PCs that are Energy Saving Trust recommended and as such, Energy Efficiency Financing is available to help businesses replace their existing hardware with energy saving models. These low-interest loans are designed so that repayments can be made from what you save on your energy bills, saving your business even more. Meridian also has a range of network support packages, from budget to fully comprehensive, and is the sister company of Meridian Legal Systems Ltd.

Meridian Legal Systems has developed software for small to medium-sized law firms since 1995 and supports clients all over the country.

For more information, call 01780 482795 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How many of us want to help look after our local environment, but don’t really know what to do or how to take action?

For some time I had been itching to do more than help the environment in my every day job. I wanted to get out there and ‘get my hands dirty’ by taking action locally around the area I live in.

 I am quite fortunate that my employer offers all staff one day per year to volunteer for a community and/or environmental scheme of their choice.

Staff volunteer days have a number of benefits. It’s great for business Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it can tick off important criteria for environmental accreditations and there is a number of PR opportunities and promotion around helpful schemes too. Most importantly, your staff are actually making a difference in their community. They are keeping their conscious green and local, and are quite possibly getting some well overdue fresh air. Lastly, as an employer, it’s important to ‘show’ that you care about the community, environment and staff wellbeing.

 There are a number of things you can do, from a two hour tree planting session in your business’s backyard (which can also help to offset your carbon footprint), to two days of hard graft helping a local school build a wildlife area or pond.  You could even raise money and get sponsored for doing it.

A number of staff from the new Peterborough Hospital in Bretton are volunteering to help a local school relocate their afterschool club. The work includes creating a free flow garden, refurbishing existing facilities and installing a new cabin, whilst being as eco friendly as possible. Michelle Toms the Sustainability Officer at the hospital said, “This is an inspiring project we are helping with. Not only are we improving a local school, we are thinking green too! Imagine the difference that could be made if everyone in Peterborough helped the area they live in!”

 If you don’t have a set idea of what you think your business could do, ask your staff for suggestions.

 I have recently taken action and started a litter picking group for my local area. Once a month, from 11-12pm there will be a group of us walking around Woodston, Fletton, Oundle Road and Sugar Way, doing our bit by cleaning ‘our’ streets. Anyone can take part and litter pickers, gloves and bags are provided.

 Litter picking dates for the next 6 months:

• 11^th September 2011,
• 16^th October 2011,
• 20^th November 2011 – In conjunction with Zero Waste Week.
• 18^th December 2011 – to be Confirmed.
• 15^th January 2012,  
• 19^th February 2012.       

 To attend this litter picking group or for more information on any of the above, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Our environment is our responsibility and together we can make it a great place to live and work.

Businesses go BARKING mad for this TREE MENDOUS project.

 
How amazing would it be if there was a green project that could help the local community AND help businesses reduce their carbon footprint! Well, there is such a project, it’s called the Forest for Peterborough!

Forest for Peterborough is a project led by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) and Natural Networks Partnership (NNP), which aims to plant a tree for every city resident over the next 20 years. That’s 170 000 trees. This is a great way for our ever growing city to have patchworks of habitats which will enable both people and wildlife to flourish.

Businesses can reduce their environmental impact by off setting their carbon footprint. This can enhance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), by helping to improve the local urban living space for the surrounding communities, and give you the chance to get your staff involved on a tree planting day.

Sounds interesting? Well lets start, firstly you need to know what you Carbon Footprint is! This can be easily calculated with the Carbon Trusts step by step guide and breakdown pack. The next step is to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Forest for Peterborough to discuss how much you would like to reduce your carbon footprint by. Then, as the planting season starts in November and ends in February, there is plenty of time to think of fun and creative ways to make this beneficial for all.

Investors in the Environment members who have already shown their support include; 

• PEMCO who have committed to donate to the Forest for Peterborough Fund, for each property that it is newly contracted to manage.
• Anne Corder Recruitment has pledged to plant a tree for every candidate placed into permanent employment for 2011.
• Utility Aid is offering a free energy audit to all businesses and will make a donation on your behalf if you make a switch.
• Property Rush get their hands dirty by volunteering to plant trees at most tree planting events! On the launch day 1500 trees were planted.

If you would like to see a video example of a tree planting event, please click here.

To reduce your businesses Carbon Footprint and to boost your CSR and the local community. please contact  Nilam on 01733 882547 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Test drive the future – THIS WEEKEND

Experience the new 100% electric Nissan LEAF car! Winning European Car of the Year 2011, it is driving the pioneering future of green motoring.

On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July it will be on show and available to test drive at Smiths Nissan, Peterborough, PE3 8YL. Reserve your place by calling 01733 267606.

To celebrate the new car, for this weekend only you will be entered into an exclusive prize draw. The first prize is a luxury trip to San Francisco to spend seven nights in a 5-star eco hotel and enjoy unrestricted VIP access at the 2012 AMGEN Tour of California Professional Cycle Race.

Cast your vote for the Evening Telegraphs 'Green Awards 2011'!

The Peterborough Evening Telegraph Green Awards 2011 are looking for the public to nominate people and groups of people who are making a significant contribution to our environment and changing the way we live.

If you know someone who deserves to win one of the below awards, fill in this form online and submit your entry.

• Green Volunteer/ Community Award
• The Best Kept Allotment or Garden Award
• Green Youth Group Award
• The Environmental Photographer Award
• Most Innovative Environmental Project
• The Queensgate Award
• The Green Family Award - Conribution to the Environmental Capital
• The Sustainable Food Provider Award
• The Green Builder & Designer Award
• Green Tourism Award
• Best Green Product Innovation

The winners in each category will receive a great prize and certifcate at the Green Awards ceremony on the evening of Monday 4th July 2011 at the Mariott Hotel, Lynch Wood, Peterborough.

Businesses educated on Solar PV!

Last week, renewable energy specialists and main sponsors of Investors in the Environment - Lark Energy, gave an insightful presentation about the key benefits of Solar PV (photovoltaic solar panels).

The attendees included representatives from Nene Park Trust, IPM, Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire Police. All business had the great opportunity to iron out any questions on the benefits of solar PV and how it all works.

Some of key benefit for commercial and residential properties is not only massively reducing your energy bills (through the Feed in Tariff) but also becoming more sustainbable and in turn reducing your carbon footprint.

One of the attendees Julie from IPM, who are working towards Silver level accreditation for Investors in the Environment said "The seminar was very interesting and the question and answers proved useful.  The Lark Energy guys seem to know their stuff!"

Lark Energy are also giving members the opportunity to visit the Larkfleet's Southfields House Office in Bourne which has been retrofitted to showcase a live overview of how a live solar system works, and what’s entailed with having this technology. To make arrangements, please contact Kim on: 01733 866436 or to email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

John Lewis display cabinets - Free to a good home!

The Eastex Materials Exchange is a FREE exchange website where businesses can source or dispose of a variety of goods. It is dedicated to the reuse of all useful materials to keep it out of landfill. The Eastex Materials Exchange team is on hand to help businesses find recipients or donors to match their needs.

Many businesses, large and small, have passed on furniture, soft strip items and factory surplus to charities, youth groups, start-up enterprises and business.  Not only does it make sound environmental sense, it also stacks up financially - why pay for a skip when someone down the road or in the next county will gladly make use of it

One of our biggest users, John Lewis Department store in Peterborough, regularly take advantage of the materials exchange and help to re home their material to good homes.

There are 20 wooden framed glass cube display units up for grabs and a laptop display stand. All free to a good home and need collecting in the next week or two!

Above: The free wooden framed glass shelves - 20 available

 Below: The free laptop display unit - 2 available.

If you are interest in either of these items: Please call Kim 01733 866436. 

For more information on Eastex please visit.
www.eastex.org.uk
Its free to register, free to use and free to exchange.

Eastex Stats:
Saved local businesses over £1.5 million in waste disposal and procurement costs.
Diverting 10,000 tonnes of goods from landfill. Saving around
17,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide.
Over 11,000 members registered.

Investors in the Environment Anniversary & Award Ceremony, 7th April!

On Thursday 7th April we will be celebrating the 1st Year anniversary of Investors in the Environment.

There is also an official award ceremony for those businesses that have achieved their environmental accreditation and to celebrate their green successes and savings.

We are delighted to be joined by Cllr Marco Cereste who officially launched the scheme and a number of other VIP’s who will be presenting on the day.

Also on the day there will wine, nibbles and a number of businesses displaying their green services.

If you are new to Investors in the Environment and want to know more, this event is a perfect opportunity to see for yourself what great things businesses can do.

Date: Thursday 7th April 2011,
Time: 5-6pm (with 30 minutes after for networking and photos)
Venue: Eco innovation Centre

RSVP by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 1st April or call Kim on 01733 866436 for more info.

Get involved in the 20th Annual Green Festival and reach over 10,000 people!

The 20th Annual Green Festival kicks off in Peterborough City Centre on Saturday 28th May. This lively and interactive event showcases local companies and organisations who have environmental/ ethical products and/or initiatives, which they wish to promote to an audience who, typically, are interested in being greener.

A stand in Cathedral Square or St Johns Square costs from as little £400 for the day, which considering the expected footfall (10- 20,000), is a very cost-effective option.

This year also includes a number of business to business events.

Other options for getting involved include sponsoring an event during the two weeks (29th May to 12th June) or placing an ad in the Green Festival booklet. All events put on for the Green Festival will be promoted in our booklet, sent out to 7,000 people, and featured in the I.I.E Newsletter, reaching 500 plus small, medium and large enterprises in the area. We can tailor your involvement according to your budget and so that an event is centred around your products or services.

To find out more about getting involved or how this event can benefit your business, contact Green Festival Co-ordinator Penny Fletcher via email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 01733 866437.

The deadline for registering your interest is February 11th so don’t miss out!

Free NVQ Level 3 in Providing Energy Efficient Services.

December 2010

Some great news for you all. PECT Consultancy LTD have gained funding to teach FREE NVQ's out to a number of Green employees and individuals.

The aim of the qualification is to provide candidates with the competence and ability to provide energy efficiency advice and guidance to customers.  The course explains and illustrates issues relating to energy efficiency and demonstrates methods of resolving basic energy efficiency problems.

What will I gain knowledge in?
• Health risks from cold damp homes
• Fuel suppliers and consumer advice
• Meters, tariffs and fuel bills
• Fuel payment methods and dealing with debt
• Financial help for heating and energy efficiency
• Basics of heating and hot water systems and appliances
• Controlling heating and hot water systems
• Comparative efficiencies and running costs of heating and hot water systems
• Heat loss from dwelling
• Home insulation
• Energy rating of homes
• Appliances and lighting – Operation and energy efficiency
• Renewable energy
• Condensation and dampness
• Ventilation

Who should do this course?
This qualification is for people who provide energy efficiency advice. This is also a requirement under the Domestic Energy Efficiency Code of Practice for people who provide advice in a client’s home.  Candidates taking the course include Green champions in the workplace, surveyors, installers, customer services representatives, repairs teams, tenancy advice teams, their managers and also energy ambassadors.

How much will it cost?
This is free but you will need to contact PCL to see if you are eligable.

How long will it take me to complete and are there any exams?
The awarding body is City and Guilds they stipulate an NVQ lasts a minimum of 10 weeks and there are NO exams.  The candidate gather evidence that they are working to the standards for his or her job. This evidence is put into a portfolio to be assessed. The candidate will also take part in a workplace observation, doing their actual job, so they won't be taken away from their job unnecessarily. The only times they will be taken out of their workplace is for the initial session and workshops.

How much time will I be expected to give to the NVQ?
Your employer will need to authorise 2 hrs per month for you to spend towards your NVQ.  You will be expected to spend some of your personal time on the NVQ. However if you spend 1 hour per week the course may take you six months.  The more time you spend on the course the quicker you can complete your NVQ.
What will you provide me with to complete the course?
You will receive:
• A complete portfolio for you to log your evidence and progress.
• A text book to build your knowledge.
• 15 hours of training and support time, in groups and individual with an assessor and/or trainer.
• A qualification for the area in which you work and a sound knowledge of energy efficiency issues.

 If you are interested to know more please contact Lucy Langmaid at PCL on 01733 897780.

A Forest for Peterborough!

November 2010 

You may already have heard about this exciting new project - a Forest for Peterborough. Yes Peterborough, Home of Environment Capital, plans to plant a tree for every single person living here! And yes, that does mean over a 170,000 trees of different types spread all over the city!

The project attracted self titled ‘Chief Tree Hugger’ Clive Anderson to the launch event last Monday. Clive is the president of the Woodland Trust and fully supports Peterborough’s campaign.

Tree planting locally is a great way of offsetting your carbon footprint. This doesn’t mean that it’s a great excuse to carelessly use more resources but a great way of contributing to become a carbon neutral person or business for the environment.

Planting 170,000 trees is no mean feat. We are relying on support from businesses and local people:

• If you have land we can plant on, you can donate your space! Carbon offsetting in your own backyard. Great for Corporate Social Responsibility and greening your businesses too.
• If you want to get your hands dirty, you can volunteer your time to plant trees. This kind of project is great for staff volunteering days and gets people feeling good about doing their bit.
• You can also donate to support the project. Text the word ‘wood’ to 70300 which will donate £3 to the Forest for Peterborough.

Plant a tree for Christmas:
1-3 trees cost £15 each.
4 trees - £50
10 trees - £100
100 trees - £500
500 trees - £1,000

We’ll send you a personalised certificate and your name will be recorded on the Forest for Peterborough website. You’ll also have the chance to plant your tree.

If as a business you are going for Investors in the Environment accreditation, offsetting through planting trees will count as one of the criteria to meet your accreditation.

For more information on the Forest for Peterborough, please contact Sophie Antonelli on 01733 866439 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Zero to Hero! Could you reduce your rubbish for Zero Waste Week?

October 2010

In 2009 Peterborough was the first city in the UK to gain Zero Waste Place accreditation from Defra (Department for environment, food and rural affairs).

Now, green charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is challenging local businesses to do their bit to reduce the waste the city produces by taking part in Zero Waste Week between 22nd and 28th November.

A number of businesses have already signed up to take part, pledging to go as far towards becoming Zero Waste as possible. Kim Coley, Business and Environment Officer at PECT, says “When we ran Zero Waste Week last year we had some great success stories. One participant was Athene Communications who managed to get their rubbish down to a mere 200g.

“For every tonne of household waste produced, commercial, industrial and construction businesses produce another six tonnes. But the good news is that, simple changes (like thinking about the packaging on your lunch) can make a big difference when it comes to your businesses waste. London alone produces approximately 263 tonnes of waste every lunchtime, enough to fill Trafalgar Square every week.

“Taking part in Zero Waste week is free and in fact could save your business money. We’ll provide you with a ‘how to’ guide and loads of ideas on how to do your bit. Landfill space is running out so it’s vital that businesses take the initiative to reduce the rubbish they create. Businesses like Queensgate Shopping Centre, Coca Cola, Blue Dolphin, Anne Corder Recruitment and Best Deal for baby are already signed up to take part.”

There are a range of activities businesses could undertake to reduce their waste. Last year retail outlets stopped handing out plastic bags, and promoted reusable bags instead. Employees from different businesses were also encouraged to bring their own lunch from home to reduce the amount of food packaging being put in the bin.

Peterborough’s Zero Waste accreditation was awarded after the city carried out a nine month project to test innovative methods for reducing rubbish in the City Centre. This original project diverted over 3,200 tonnes of waste from landfill, saving over 1,500 tonnes of C02 and gaining recognition of environmental achievement with a prestigious Gold Green Apple Award.

Organisers hope that this year’s Zero Waste Week will further contribute towards Peterborough’s aspiration of becoming the UK’s Environment Capital.

To get your free ‘how to’ guide or for more information, contact Kim Coley, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01733 866436.

Print and paper reduction seminar helps businesses make real savings!

15th September 2010

Admiral print and paper solutions, sponsors of Investors in the Environment have a lot of great information and services to help the business sector with their print systems and environmental reductions.

Over 17 people from 12 businesses attended such as Queensgate shopping centre, Blue Dolphin Marketing and Buckles solicitors.

Businesses were able to gain a great insite into how print effects the environment and how more efficient print systems can work.

Printing is typically the 3rd highest expense behind payroll and premises and each employee costs businesses around £400- £500 per year... any ways to reduce this costs and waste is beneficial to all businesses.

One of the attendees, Correen Bensley from Deepings Tradings who is working towards Green Level Accreditation said: “The seminar was extremely helpful in helping us identify the various ways that we waste paper daily through bad printing habits and the various solutions to this. As businesses we all need to be so much more aware of the finite planet resources”

The event also had guest speaker Iain from PRINT AUDIT, who working in partnership with Admiral are offering all Investors in the Environment pledgers and members a FREE print audit worth nearly £1000+vat.

To find out information on how print and paper reduction can be good for business or to book your free audit, call Kim on: 01733 866436 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Energy saving seminar teaches green business practice!

21 July 2010

WTG Associates in association with Investors in the Environment have delivered the latest in their range of free seminars to assist businesses in becoming more environmentally-friendly. The latest discussion focused on the subject of energy consumption with audits and smart metering being cited as valuable assets for green business practices. 

The event took place on Wednesday 14 July 2010 and saw a large turnout at the Eco Innovation Centre with several representatives learning how small changes can create big differences for businesses looking to go green. With just a few simple steps it is possible to save up to 24% in energy costs and make an environmental difference.

The event also saw a talk from expert business Morgan Hope who demonstrated the importance of companies installing eco-friendly lighting from both environmental and budgeting standpoints.

The next event is set to cover printing and paper-related issues, focusing on the steps businesses can take to reduce their paper usage and energy consumption.

Future events will focus on waste streams, proper recycling practice, water economy and other crucial aspects of modern sustainable business practise. Please see the events & semniars section for up and coming events and seminars.

To get in contact with WTG Associates for energy or smart metering advice or Morgan Hope for your free lighting audit, please call Kim on 01733 866436.

FREE print audit to all Investors in the Environment Members worth over £1200!

6 July 2010

Working closely with Investors in the Environment and its members, Admiral Print Solutions are offering all Investors in the Environment members an exclusive print audit for their business which will identify cost savings and give direction for better systems.

Did you know that the average employee prints out 34 pages per day of which 17% are never used? A business print audit will not only help you learn who is printing what to where but is designed to help you reduce your waste by giving you complete control over your print environment.

By conducting an audit of the current print output across your business, Admiral can devise an alternative print strategy that can potentially save you up to 20% in costs and put you in total print control. 

Admiral, a worldwide well established company, have already saved businesses millions in paper reduction.

On a local level Admiral have already worked with businesses and organisations such as the Eco innovation Centre (the central hub for the Envirocluster), Relate, the NHS for Peterborough and Beeches Primary School, all of which give glowing reports.

For more information on this exclusive offer, or to find out how Admiral can reduce your paper costs by 20% please call Mark Ksher on 01908 295054 or fill out their online form. To view the Admiral E-Zine newsletter or to find out more about Admiral with further business case studies visit their website.

A new project from Resource Efficiency East (REE) will help businesses in two Peterborough business parks reduce their environmental impact and aims to help them save over £150,000.

15 June 2010

More than 40 small and medium sized businesses from Fengate Business Park and Cygnet Park in Hampton will benefit from the ‘Business Clusters project’ which is being delivered by Peterborough Environment City Trust on behalf of REE.

Businesses from the two parks including Peterborough Printing Services, Deafblind UK, and Masteroast have already signed up to take part in the scheme.

Antony Gough, programme director from REE, said: “Each participating business has already received a visit from the project team to establish which areas could be improved.

“For some, reducing waste to landfill is the key concern, whilst for others it’s reducing energy bills to save money and curb harmful CO2 emissions. Initial start-up meetings give each business the chance to input into the project plans to ensure they get the most out of it.

"We’ve invited senior management from each organisation to attend because we’re keen to encourage the businesses to work together to reduce environmental impact.

"We believe that by getting businesses working in partnership to manage waste more effectively, encourage sustainable travel, invest in renewable energy, and share resources, these Business Parks won’t just benefit during the project, but long afterwards.”

Resource Efficiency East delivers specialist advice, guidance and support on how businesses in the East of England can reduce the use of resources; water, energy and materials and achieve financial savings as a result.

Details of all the support services available can be found at www.resourceefficiencyeast.org.uk