Innovative ‘green’ work earns recognition in leading eco awards

Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) has been recognised as an environmental pioneer for its green initiatives across the borough.

KHT, part of the First Ark Group, has been shortlisted in the Sustainability Team of the Year category in the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2013 for its innovative work to make Knowsley a ‘greener’ place.

Projects such as Eco Teams, Green Office Week and recycling and sustainable travel programmes encourage and support KHT staff and tenants to reduce their energy use and consider their impact on the environment.

KHT’s Eco Teams, delivered in partnership with Global Action Plan and HACT, engage with groups of residents, schools and local organisations out in communities on a range of issues that can bring down bills, help make homes warmer and reduce waste and carbon emissionsThese include energy, water, ‘growing your own’, travel, recycling and creative cooking.

The programme has been delivered to 120 school children, 160 community members and 40 staff and it is predicted that each participant will save 1 tonne of CO2 and achieve a £170 reduction in household bills.

A spokesperson from KHT said: “We are proud that our team’s hard work has been recognised in these important awards and it shows that we are leading the way in best practice for others in the green sector.

“Going green is good for everybody; it can save people money, it helps us reach carbon reduction targets set by Government and it is good for the conscience as we know we are doing our bit for the environment.”

Government targets mean housing organisations must achieve a carbon reduction of 80 per cent by 2050 (compared to 1990).

First Ark aims to recycle 80 per cent of all its waste and currently averages around 85 per cent.

Other ‘green’ initiatives carried out by First Ark include:

• Green Office Week; providing employees with energy saving information in a fun and interactive way through competitions, a promotional campaign and workshops
• Free bicycle health checks and travel pass promotions to encourage use of public transport
• Recycling of old uniforms via textile clothing banks at First Ark offices. Over 300 pieces of uniform have also been donated to a local Dogs Trust to insulate kennels and provide bedding for dogs.

 Now in their third year, the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards celebrate the leading businesses and individuals from across the green economy.

KHT has been shortlisted among organisations including O2, The National Trust, The Carbon Trust, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s. The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on July 3.

Eco Teams sessions are free and open to everyone that lives or works in Knowsley. Follow @knowsleyecoteam or call XXX for more information and to get involved.