UPDATED: 18.3.2011
STAFFORDSHIRE PARISH COUNCIL SIGNS UP TO GREEN ACHIEVER SCHEME
A Staffordshire council has become the first organisation of its kind prepared to demonstrate its green credentials by signing up to the Green Achiever scheme.
Developed by E4environment, a business or organisation interested in Green Achiever will start by registering free at www.greenachiever.co.uk, complete a short questionnaire to outline its responsibilities and receive a listing in the Green Achiever online directory. The first level is self-assessment, which includes a declaration of environmental commitment. Silver is the next and demonstrates the positive action taken in the way it cares for the environment. The highest level, gold, is attained following an extensive environmental audit.
Commenting on its environmental responsibilities, Ray Smythe, parish clerk at Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council in Cannock Chase, said: “The parish council, which recently appointed a green issues councillor, takes a proactive approach to environmental issues and reviews all operations from a green perspective.
“As well as receiving advice from the Green Achiever team, we also liaise with a local environment group to keep up to date with best practice and introduce ideas. For example, the prize for our Christmas lights competition is no longer cash but low energy bulbs and insulation equipment, and our 13,000 residents will soon receive a map highlighting local walking and cycling locations to encourage exercise and health living.”
Concerning parish council property and equipment, he continued: “With a grant from the Quality Parishes Investment Fund, the Hayes Green Community Centre now has a new high-efficiency boiler, low-energy bulbs installed throughout the building and sensors in the toilets to ensure the lights are only on when needed. I use an electric pedal cycle for most of my travel in the local area, which saves the council money, reduces vehicle miles and keeps me fit. The cycle will go for 50 miles at up to 15 mph on a single charge that costs 4p. It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce unnecessary energy use and promote sustainability – something that the council takes very seriously.”
Deborah Cairns, Green Achiever operations manager at E4environment, said: “Everyone’s talking about the government’s environmental policies and how our behaviour and neglect is leading to changes in the climate. The public is becoming increasingly vocal about what they expect from retailers and manufacturers, for example, less packaging and more recyclable products and packaging, as well as services and products that are environmentally friendly. Over 40 businesses a month now register with Green Achiever from a range of sectors and varying sizes including retail, IT, manufacturing and professional services, sole traders, SMEs and large corporations. It’s great to have our first council on board, which we hope will set a trend for others to follow.”