Here's your chance to publicise your successes, savings and environmental case studies.

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Investors in the Environment hits 100

We are delighted to announce that City Centre based restaurant Sundays has joined Investors in the Environment, becoming the 100th member of our green business scheme. Thomas Cook became number 99 and Smith's Motor Group were 98.

Sundays, renowned for serving traditional roast dinners every day of the week, has joined Investors in the Environment to focus on reducing the amount of energy the business uses.

Owner David Beever has already taken a number of steps to become as green as possible, “We already source our produce locally including our veg, eggs, cakes, crisps and drinks. We always opt for free-range and seasonal. Our meat is all farmed in the East of England, and butchered in Sleaford. Some of the beef comes from our own herd of Angus cattle, who love the bits of vegetables we don’t use in the restaurant. We’re also stocking Fairtrade fruit, tea coffee, and cocoa. It’s important to operate in a way that is sustainable; it makes good business sense and is actually very straight forward in practice – especially when you have help from Investors in the Environment.”  

To find out how you can make your business greener please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Zero Waste Success

Twenty Six businesses participated in Zero Waste Week from 19th – 27th November.  They all made amazing changes to reduce their waste to landfill. With outstanding businesses such as IKEA, Bakkovour Freshcook, Budget Paper Supplies, Queensgate and Mars Petcare all diverting 90% or more from landfill. There are certainly ways and means to ensure that your company produces minimal waste.

It can be hard to get everyone involved when making changes to the comfortable working environment so it was fantastic to hear about all the successes throughout the Zero Waste Week challenge.

Here are the top 10 actions to help you reduce your waste:

Ban the bin campaign –Local restaurant Sundays removed the bins from the customer area to ensure waste is separated appropriately.  This resulted in reducing their waste to landfill by 7 bags per week.  IPM saw a massive 75% reduction to landfill by banning the bin.

Make your lunch at home –Encourage staff to bring their lunch in reusable containers.  It not only reduces waste to landfill but will save money.  You could also hold a weekly bring and share lunch which has the added benefit of building team spirit.

Reduce mail waste – You can be as careful as possible within the workplace, but how about controlling what comes in? Do you really need that magazine that no one reads? Do you really need one for each Director? Data Interchange International actively monitored the publications coming in and cancelled duplicates and unwanted post.

Go paper free – Ann Coder Recruitment have already become a paperless office so it was great to hear Cross Keys Homes and Cambridgeshire Police encouraging their staff to reduce the amount they print. Not only will this save you money on the amount of paper used, you can also save on the cartridges and electricity.  Think before you print.

Encourage reuse –Macintyre Hudson encouraged the reuse of waste paper as scrap paper and Mencap are starting to have communal canvas bags for staff to reuse. File Flatners have taken reuse a little further and have started to sell their lever arch files to anyone who wants them for 50p each and then giving any profit to charity.

Staff awareness – Although Zero Waste week is about reducing waste to landfill, there are also other areas where we create waste. Anne Corder Recruitment set a focus for the day to reduce their water wastage and also encouraged staff to put on extra layers to help their energy efficiency.

Introduce composting – Hunt & Coombs Solicitors have introduced composting food waste.You can have your compost collected, or provide it to your green fingered colleagues

Make your own plant pots – Meridian Network Solutions have really managed to think outside the box with this one. They have purchased a “paper potter” which allows them to make bio-degradable plant pots with any waste paper from deliveries. They have also ordered a briquette maker for other paper & card items.

Recycle wherever possible – This can truly be as imaginative as you like. Here at PECT we went zero waste to landfill.  At the end of the week we had a small ball of plastic magazine covers.  Our Office Manager took that home wrapped in a rubber band for her cat to play with. Change Agents UK made Christmas decorations with their usable waste.

Make a pledge – Encouraging staff to make a pledge to reduce waste in at least one way. Highlight their pledges and their successes.  Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) and PECT Consultancy Ltd (PCL) staff were encouraged to pledge to reduce waste at work and at home. Staff pledges were showcased throughout the building.

Other business who had took part in Zero Waste Week 2011 include Hercules Direct Marketing, National flooring, Property Rush, Olsen Partnership, Nikkis Eco Products and GreenStones.

To find out how you can take part in Zero Waste Week or to conduct your own waste reducing campaigns please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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Coca Cola get clean and green with a local litter pick

Coca Cola Enterprise incorporates CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in to their annual work plans.  This year ‘community’ was one of their 7 commitments and a litter pick was a great way to help the community and get their staff involved.

Helen Cartmel, Office Manager and Green Champion at Coca Cola, contacted Keep Britain Tidy and rounded up over 11 staff who collectively picked up over 17 bags of rubbish in one hour.

“Residents that witness the litter pick thanked the staff for their hard work, validating their efforts. It left the staff feeling proud that they have done their bit for the community”. Said Helen.

Well done Coca Cola, a good standard to be setting.

Promote your Best Practice successes and savings on the www.iie.uk.com website, by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

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IKEA leads the way with their open days.

IKEA are known for their great Green credential, as Investors in the Environment like to share best practice we arranged for Green Champion Robert Buck to present some of the processes IKEA have in place.

On the 28th September and the 05th October 20 attendees had a rare opportunity to have a fantastic presentation and tour of their Distribution Centre in Peterborough (attandee group from the 28th September on the right).  This gave Robert a platform to showcase a number of IKEA processes that are being delivered as part of their sustainable growth commitment.

Here is a just some of the things IKEA have implemented so far:

•    Voltage optimisation fitted on all warehouse lighting
•    Planting fruit trees on site.
•    Team Green had a soft launch in March 2011, and currently has 8 members.     
•    Sunpipes are installed in the call centre amenity areas to provide natural light.       
•    Geo-thermic heating/cooling is installed for the first 2 floors of the office block.
•    There is an attenuation pond with reed-beds to store and clean surface water before discharge.
•    A process of lime and cement stabilisation allowed the use of the contaminated material already on the site.
•    From the 1st May 2011, Peterborough site stopped sending any residual waste to land fill, and strive to be cost neutral.
•    Implemented textile, mixed glass, cardboard and music and audio bin for employee use, to ensure household waste is recycled.
•    Light sensors within the warehouse to turn off lights when there is sufficient daylight. 
•    Adopt a school every year, to help schools educate their students to be more sustainable.
•    Tricycle used within the site, instead of more electric vehicles, picture displayed below.

This is just a snapshot of what IKEA have accomplished so far. Investors in the Environment are proud to have IKEA on board, they are great for Peterborough and a fantastic ambassador for other businesses becoming greener.

To ensure your place on future visits or for any information on other events, please contact Nilam on 01733 882547 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

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IPM are sharing their Green Sparkle.

See how simple manoeuvres within the office can save you hundreds of pounds within the first year.

IPM offers a comprehensive range of services to companies to assist them with their global mobility programmes and international assignment management. This service includes  sorting all the ‘red tape’ associated with visas, salary packages, tax, currency, accommodation and schooling.

IPM were awarded Bronze Level Accreditation with Investors in the Environment (iiE) in  May 2011 and now are aspiring to go for Silver. Their working environment is a classic office consisting of 16 members of staff, so going green can always be very challenging.

The IPM Environment Committee have been doing a fantastic job and seeing savings of £852.09 on electricity usage in the last 7 months in comparison to the same period in 2010, which equates to nearly  40% reduction in electrical use. There has also been a 13% reduction in paper use by just switching to double sided printing. IPM are a great example of how an SME (small to medium size enterprise) can save by just implementing simple changes within the office.

These changes can include:

• Switch lights, PC’s, monitors, printers, heaters & air con units off when not in use
• Replacing the kettle with a mains water heater
• Creating staff awareness with “switch off” stickers & posters
• Put recycling bins in the office and introduced a confidential waste recycling bin
• Set all office printers to default double sided and set up a paper usage spreadsheet
• Safe disposal of printer cartridges via charitable organisations and the purchasing of re-manufactured toners and supplies
• Regular service of air conditioning
• Switched to recycled copier paper (FSC certified) only
• Set up a car sharing scheme with recording sheet
• Introduced a notice board for displaying your environmental plans and successes

What next

IPM are taking this a step further by introducing a scrap paper draw, having a “ban the bin” campaign, and organic waste and are taking part in Zero Waste Week (19-27 November 2011).  And, they’re taking it to the next level by piloting a Green Point Scheme. This is a fantastic way of getting the whole workforce involved, to maximise the potential savings and reducing the businesses carbon footprint.

The Green Point Scheme is simple. Every member of staff gets the opportunity to collect 100 points over the year to get a full paid day off or if they achieve 50 points a half a day off. These points can be achieved by switching your monitor off when you are not at your desk, switching off the PC and printers overnight and reducing the need to print. By doing these 4 things on a day to day basis 2 points will be achieved each week, which totals 94 points over the 47 working weeks.  Additional points can be collected by car sharing with an extra point awarded for every journey shared.  Alternatives to a day off could be vouchers for a lunch or dinner, a nice bottle of wine, or a home compost caddy!

If you would like to know more about this scheme or the other great things IPM are doing, please contact Julie Morris on 0845 458 5643 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you would like more information about Investors in the Environment and how you can get awarded an Environmental Accreditation for all the green things you do, please contact the IiE team on 01733 866 436 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Miles better for a better workforce!!! 

Huge congratulations to 3 Investors in the Environment members who have slugged their way to be on top of their leader board in the Miles Better Challenge 2011.

This Free annual competition is organised by Travel Choice to encourage staff from greater Peterborough organisations to travel more sustainably to and from work for 1 week (6th -10th June). It was to great delight to see Investors in the Environment members at the top of the league.

Here’s how they ranked -

• Organisations - more than 250 staff - Environment Agency - Achieved Green level Investors in the Environment Accreditation  
• Organisations - 10 to 50 staff - Peterborough Environment City Trust – Achieved Green level Investors in the Environment Accreditation 
• Organisations - less than 10 staff - Mister Vinyl – Achieved Green level Investors in the Environment Accreditation  

The move to sustainable travel could be a great stepping stone to offset your carbon footprint, by simply jumping on your bike or walking to work.

Mister Vinyl, a printing and vinyl specialist based in Woodston, are a fantastic example of how little steps can help you become a more sustainable business. The owner of Mister Vinyl, Daral Brennan, reflects back to when they achieved their Investors in the Environment Accreditation earlier this year

“I felt a little like the new boy at school – I wanted to join in, but just stood there and watched. I had to do something.”

Having under 10 members of staff Mister Vinyl are at the top of the leader board for the Miles Better Challenge, which turned out to be a simple approach to change the way they travel to work.

“I couldn’t believe it when we actually won our (small!) section. It really wasn’t such a huge effort for us to achieve it after all. But we enjoyed doing it and it’s something we have also done since from time to time and it makes us feel better about ourselves! All boxes ticked. Result!”

Feel inspired?

Here are a few ways to travel sustainably.

• Car Share – Save money and make a friend.  Handy tip to see the saving would be to put the cash you save into a pot and buy a treat after a month; its amazing how much can be saved!
• Get on your bike – A great way to keep fit, and help strengthen your bones, reduce stress levels, improve your balance and also help you to have a good night sleep.
• Get off the bus a stop earlier – This can help to save a little cash, or even walking to the next zone can help you get the bounce in your step to start you day!
• Walking – Walking just one mile can burn at least 100kcal and walking two miles a day three times a week can help reduce weight by up to one pound every three weeks.

For more useful information and help with a Business Travel Plan please contact Travel Choice on 01733 317484.

For members help and advice on travel plans, survey templates and examples for your environment accreditation, call Nilam Patel on 01733 882547 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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4 Investors in the Environment members win Evening Telegraph Awards!

Peterborough's most innovative and environmentally friendly individuals and organisations came together last week to celebrate their hard work and success.

Organisations, businesses and  public members were nominated for over 10 awards in total. Catagories included “The Green Volunteer / Community Award” to “Environment Photographer”.

Five business and organisational awards were up for grabs, and we can proudly state that four of them were won by Investors in the Environment members.

Here are our winners:
• Nene Park Trust – Green Tourism Award – Working Towards IiE Green Level
• Cross Keys Homes – The Queensgate Awards - Working Towards IiE Green Level
• Lark Fleet Homes– The Green Builder and Design Award – Sponsors of IiE and  Working Towards IiE Green Level
• Green Heart Wash – Best Green Product and Innovation Award - Working Towards IiE Bronze Level

Runners up included the likes of Green Leaf Cars and Athene’s Richard Astle, who are also Investors in the Environment members.

These awards are a fantastic opportunity for green businesses to get recognition for all the great green work that has been done.
It literally pays to be Green, being an Investors in the Environment member is proof of this.

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New member EnviroLighting Ltd offer businesses a FREE lighting audit.

 

New Investors in the Environment members EnviroLighting specialise in providing energy efficient lighting solutions for all industrial and commercial lighting applications.

As part of their service they will audit the existing lighting and systems on your site free of charge and provide a comprehensive report with recommendations for you to evaluate prior to any commitment.

See the 'audit' page on their website for what the audit covers and how by working with EnviroLighting Ltd you can save over 80% in energy consumption.

There is a case study on the EnviroLighting website of a local company in Peterborough detailing how lighting energy costs are reduced by 89% whilst at the same time upgrading and enhancing their working environment. This was achieved with no capital investment on their client’s part, but by taking advantage of “Green” Government funding available though The Carbon Trust, which they will process for you.)

For more inforomation on the audit or to speak to EnviroLighting about their products and services, call Jason on 01778 340001 or visit their website.

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Investors in the Environment Award success! 

 

Twelve Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire businesses that are cutting running costs while protecting natural resources were presented with prestigious Investors in the Environment accreditation awards on Thursday 7 April 2011.  

The awards ceremony was attended by Peterborough Mayor, Councillor Keith Sharp, Council Leader Councillor Marco Cereste and Trevor Gibson head of Environment Capital.

The efforts of all participants in the scheme were praised, which range from local companies like Mister Vinyl and Anne Corder Recruitment to multi-nationals such as IKEA, Coca Cola and Mars Petcare.

 The scheme was originally launched as an easy-to-use accreditation process to help smaller businesses improve their environmental performance and save on their operating costs. However, it is so successful in delivering financial benefits and improving corporate reputation that increasing numbers of larger organisations are joining. 

 

To date over 500 companies have pledged to develop more sustainable operating practices and over 60 are working towards or achieved accreditation at the bronze, silver or the top-rated ‘green’ level. 

 

Green awards were presented to:
• Anne Corder Recruitment, whose paperless office processes have become a blueprint for adoption by other businesses
• Bakkavor Freshcook, which achieved zero waste-to-landfill last year
• Cross Keys Homes, the city’s largest social housing landlord
• The Environment Agency, which in the past five years has cut business miles by 25 per cent, office energy use by 23 per cent, water use by 31 per cent; and volumes of landfilled office waste by 64 per cent
• IKEA distribution centre, which has achieved 90 per cent reduction in landfill waste and over the past five years has reduced energy consumption by 24 per cent
• Kerry Foods of Spalding, which has set up an ‘Eco Pilot office’ to showcase its reduction in energy consumption
• Mars Petcare, which has reduced energy consumption by 20 per cent since 2003, reduced water consumption by 18 per cent since 2007 and eliminated waste going to landfill
• Digital print specialist Mister Vinyl, which now re-uses and recycles most of its materials
• PCL Energy Services, which is donating £500 to the Forest for Peterborough campaign and participated in Zero Waste Week last November.

Businesses save money by investing in the environment / 2
• Queensgate Shopping Centre, which won its second year accreditation and has saved over 26 per cent on energy since 2006, recycled 64 per cent of waste, reduced waste going to landfill by a further 11 per cent in 2009 and another eight per cent in 2010.

 

 

 

 

Bronze awards were presented to:
• Diamond Cars, which has implemented an engine switch-off campaign throughout its fleet
• Overseas staff placements specialist IPM Ltd, which saved £74 in just six weeks through a lighting ‘switch-off’ campaign

 

Extra awards were given to businesses that have exceeded the green accreditation criteria and demonstrated that they put the environment at the forefront of their current business practices. ‘Great Green Star’ awards went to: IKEA, Anne Corder Recruitment, Mars Petcare UK, the Environment Agency, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Kerry Foods, and Cross Keys Homes.

The Investors in the Environment scheme is unique because, to secure the green accreditation, businesses must achieve a minimum two per cent improvement in resource efficiency over an agreed baseline figure.  Other essential criteria include having a recycling system in place, adopting a travel plan, calculating the organisation’s carbon footprint and setting targets for carbon reduction.

Membership allows businesses to keep ahead of emerging environmental legislation, involve staff in securing operational efficiencies, raise their corporate profile and become more effective.  The Investors in the Environment website and regular workshops offer practical advice and templates for developing environmental improvement processes. 

To get involved in any of this or with help to get your business greener, contact Kim Coley on 01733 866436  or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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IKEA Distribution have fantastic green credentials!

I know an efficient business when I see one and the IKEA Distribution Centre in Peterborough is one of the best businesses I have seen so far for the sheer amount of environment work they are doing.

They have recently come on board Green level Accreditation with Investors in the Environment and are already ticking all the criteria boxes for the scheme and were awarded their official stamp within the week!

Green Champion Robert Buck, prides himself on the work he has achieved for IKEA Peterborough, so much so that he visits other IKEA branches around the world to help them to go greener and share his knowledge.

 

 Above: 'Sustainability' is one of their 4 cornerstones of focus!  

 

Here is a just a some of the things IKEA have achieved:
• All staff have WEEKLY environment meetings
• IKEA reuse their damaged goods by donating then to charities
• They have a ‘Team Green’ who help to embed the green practice with the staff
• They have ‘sustainability’ embedded within their core focus
• They have over 90% of their waste diverted from landfill
• They use geo-thermal energy
• Car sharing employees have priority parking
• All IKEAstaff have previously been given a FREE fold away bike and energy saving lightbulbs  

Above: IKEA seperate their recycling.

 

 

IKEA have even more plans to strive towards more environmental goals. They include things like solar energy and zero waste to landfill over the next few years. 

What a great example of things that can achieved in a business.

If anyone would like a tour of IKEA for them to showcase their credentials and achievements to you. Then please get in touch with Robert Buck on 01733 293074.

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Green Heart Wash, water free valeting company save up to 100 gallons of water per car!

Green Heart Wash specialises in Eco-friendly cleaning and mobile valet services. The company’s believes cleaning should not cost the earth; this initiative has led the company into exploring conventional and innovative ways of cleaning. A waterless cleaning method for all type of vehicles.

For every car cleaned, up to 100 gallon of water is saved, the energy required to process the water plus other indirect costs associated are also saved. The results achieved are outstanding and is more environmentally friendly than conventional water based methods. Credit for all water saved is reserved for our clients. We make the savings on your behalf! 

Green Heart Wash also specialises in domestic and commercial cleans. The Eco-friendly initiative extends throughout the company’s activities where possible. Only “good to the environment” products are used in cleaning. Eco-friendly products are not only nice to the environment but good for personal health too as they don’t release toxic fumes and odour into the environment. For more information on healthy cleaning methods  and our services, please visit www.greenheartwash.co.uk or contact us on 07914570911.

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Anne Corder share with us their Steps to Success on becoming a paperless office...

Anne Corder Recruitment are ahead of the game with their environmental successes.

Not only are they on their way to achieving the top level Green Investors in the Environment, they have achieved a Green Apple award, took part in Zero Waste Week AND turned the business into a paperless office.

Karen Dykes (below left) from Anne Corder shares with us her knowledge...  

Steps to Success – How to become a paperless office

A pledge to become – or at least work towards becoming - a paperless office shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is a big financial and time
undertaking.

However the benefits in terms of increased efficiency, reduced costs and, of course, the decrease in carbon footprint are far-reaching. And there will be a positive impact on not only your team and your environment but your customers too.

• The first and most important step is planning. Throwing bundles of paperwork in the bin is, in its crudest sense, easy. But systems and processes need to be in place to replace those pieces of paper.
• Assess your needs. Do you want staff to be able to work remotely? Do you need to free up office space? Be honest. ‘We’ve never done it like that’ isn’t a good enough reason not to do it now.
• Identify your goals. Pinpoint your key priorities – and think big. This is a great opportunity for a wholesale rethink about how you work.
• Talk to project partners. Find out what is really worth focussing on from eco, financial and efficiency perspectives. Involve your IT company or department from the beginning. They need to understand your objectives, aims and business requirements.
• Involve staff. They need to understand what you are aiming to do, why and how. Discuss the benefits with them – more efficient working, less office clutter, increased flexibility are all good arguments.
• Set achievable targets. Even a small reduction can be grown over time as new working practices are introduced, learnt and developed.
• Set a realistic timetable. It took ACR 18 months from launching the project to being ‘officially live’.
• Discuss what you are doing with clients and customers. If you are moving to paperless accounting for instance you need to find solutions to work for both of you.
• Be open to new ideas. As we rolled out the project, further opportunities came to light. We ended up with bolt ons including a new website, the introduction of a new e-method of keeping in touch and a new accounting system. All impacted positively on us while also improving the customer experience increasing our standing and enhancing our reputation.
• Training is vital. Our staff were given extensive training in the use of new systems ensuring a smooth change over period.
• Communication, as with any changes, was also vital. Upon hearing what we were doing, how and why, clients embraced the idea and many were keen to adapt to ensure their systems remained compatible with our new way of working.
• Be prepared to invest. The paperless office project required a substantial financial investment. However the savings become apparent almost immediately and reinvestment allows for sustainable development.
• Initiate a great giveaway and reap the benefits of a positive CSR (corporate social responsibility). As files, folders, wallets, filing cabinets and the like become obsolete donate them to local charities and schools. Online donation points exist and are well utilised by grateful recipients.
• Enjoy the commercial benefits! Instant document exchange, prompt payment, consistency of branding, new USPs, real time updates and time saving have streamlined every area of our business enabling us to work more efficiently and effectively – vital in a competitive market. Our offices feel far more spacious now they are devoid of filing cabinets and stationery cupboards.
• Continue the good work. The green bandwagon is one worth jumping on. As staff recognise how much difference they can make they will be encouraged to make further changes from introducing a composting bin in the kitchen to contacting companies sending unwanted mail to subscribing to online versions of industry magazines and newsletters.

 Thank you Karen. Hopefully more businesses will follow in Anne Corders footsteps.

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Business Watch are promoting their green credentials... are you?

Business Watch were the first businesses to be awarded GREEN level accreditation with Investors in the Environment. Not only have they demonstrated a clear reduction in the resources, they are due to save over £500 this year because of it.

Having Green credentials are important for any business, from using recycled and FSC certified paper to offsetting by planting trees in your local area. Not only do they help you to to have a clear conscience while doing business, it helps you look darned good for your efforts.

When was the last time you looked at what your Green credentials were? Do you know that you are probably all doing something which helps or aids the environment –without even realising. Why not highlight them?

Below you will see the latest demonstration by Business Watch showing off their latest ‘INVESTORS IN THE ENVIRONMENT’ accreditation. Their Investors in the Environment logo is on the bottom left corner of this billboard, which is situated at Peterborough train station.

 

 Peterborough Environment City Trust have created a list of a few green things they are doing to help you with ideas to highlight your own green credentials...

INTERNAL
• Composting food waste.
• Using recycled AND FSC certified paper.
• Printing double sided and black and white by default.
• Use water saving devices in the large toilet cisterns.
• Turn PC screens off when away from desk.
• Re-use water left over from meetings.
• Have a P.E.C.T bike and a bike rack shelter for the staff.

GENERAL
• Working towards Green Level Accreditation – Investors in the Environment.
• Have won 6 Green apple awards for different environmental projects.
• Have won numerous travel choice awards, currently at level 5.
• Been through our supply chain to make sure everyone that we work with has an environment policy.
• All staff have one extra day per year where they can volunteer their time to the environmental / community project of their choice.
• Have over 10 different environment projects on the go which help businesses, the public and communities reduce waste, be more energy/resource efficient and save money.

Hope this helps.  

 

 

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Coca Cola leads the way with their CSR week and Eco-attitude!

On the 11-15 October, with health, environment awareness and treats galore, Coca Cola Peterborough took their Corporate Social Responsibility to a new level, offering services and opportunities of a high and impressive standard.

The aim of CSR-focused businesses is to proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development. Essentially, CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making, and the honoring of a triple bottom line: people, planet, profit.
 
Coca Cola doesn’t take this responsibility lightly and produced a brilliant pack to highlight and promote events taking place during the 11-15 October.
Activities ranging from kickboxing, free massage and Zumba fitness classes to a global food tasting session and bike servicing were on offer on the 14 page spread. 

 

On the environment side of things, the swish swap shop was the perfect gem for reusing clothing as opposed to discarding; allowing people to bring in an item of clothing and exchange it for something they liked of someone else’s.

Bike servicing and walk and talk sessions promoted a more active lifestyle and the lowering of car usage and mileage. While the presence of the Peterborough City Council stand provided help and information on how to deposit waste and recycle correctly attended to educate employees.
 
With such a bold and diverse range of features, the world-renowned company excelled in its mission to include, advertise and connect with local businesses, contributing to its community and putting a firm foot forward for eco awareness.

 

 

The four day extravaganza saw the support of charity Sue Ryder, Peterborough City Council and Anglian Water, with participation in the end of week ‘green day’ dress up resulting in donations to Sue Ryder.

Coca Cola constantly challenges itself to make further impact and following from this brilliant 5 day achievement, the company has signed and agreed to participate in Zero Waste Week.
Zero Waste Week is organised by Peterborough Environment City Trust, to lower the amount of waste that hits landfill and educate in ways to be more efficient and resourceful.

This is a shining example of what businesses can aspire to achieve themselves and will hopefully inspire them to do so.

 To visit Coca Cola's CRS website click here.

 

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Queensgate beats off tough competition to be named 'Recycler of the Year'!

Queensgate shopping centre has been named Retail Recycler Of The Year at the National Recycling Awards, having beaten off tough competition from big brand names including M&S UK and Coca Cola, as well as a host of other shopping centres from around the country.

The best recycling and waste management achievements in the UK were recognised at this year’s prestigious awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London on 15 July 2010.  

Queensgate was awarded the impressive accolade after demonstrating to the judges the centre’s outstanding commitment and investment in waste management, having increased the amount recycled from 14% to over 60% in little more than two years.

 

This dramatic increase has resulted from a number of initiatives, including reduction in compactor lifts – by segregating recyclables from landfill waste; retailer education; the Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) waste audit; implementing a travel plan for Queensgate staff and reduction in collections of recycling.  The centre has also introduced a skip policy, to monitor the amount of shop fit waste that leaves the premises.

By initiating a food segregation scheme, raw and packaged food can now be recycled into bio-fuel and renewable energy and by December 2009 181.3 tonnes of food waste had been diverted to landfill thanks to Queensgate’s innovative system.

 Roger Hutchings, centre director at Queensgate, comments: “Queensgate has long been committed to green issues and our environmental work is setting a benchmark. Beating competition from a number of other shopping centres as well as M&S UK and Coca Cola, to have our hard work recognised with this prestigious award is testament to all those involved who work tirelessly to champion the centre’s environmental initiative.  

Pursuit of sustainability targets is a key objective for us and the results of our efforts are now clearly reflected in the significant increase in recycling rates and all the accolades that the centre has been awarded.”  

Hugh Cripps CEO at PECT, adds: “We are very proud to have worked with Queensgate on their waste reduction plans, the team there have done a magnificent job and really demonstrate why Peterborough is the Home of Environment Capital.”

 

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Real savings made by Protect and Preserve!

Protect and Preserve Ltd (www.protectandpreserve.co.uk), the risk management specialists, have recently achieved their Green level accreditation. Here, Stephen Everett (pictured below with Alexandria Everett) tells us about one of the many successes that he has implemented into his business.

This time last year all of my clients were based in London, Essex and Middlesex, costing me £1,574 on travel and emitting 2.3 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, during the first three months of 2009.

 

 

Six months ago I set about establishing a new client base closer to Peterborough. Not only have I significantly increased the number of clients I have, I've reduced my travel time, made cost savings of £1,177, and reduced my CO2 emissions by 1.6 tonnes.  

This has been achieved by developing an environmental management system that conforms to the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme.

 

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If you have environmental success stories that you would like promoting then become an Investors in the Environment member and start reaping the benefits...