Mayor recognises the Green Impact of local businesses
The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr David McLean, held a special award ceremony at Winchester Guildhall on Friday 23 June to recognise the first tranche of local businesses who have taken part in a new Green Impact scheme.
Green Impact is a free scheme commissioned by Winchester City Council and delivered in partnership with the Department for Sustainability at the National Union of Students (NUS). This is the first time the national scheme, which involves local students in the assessment process, has been provided by a local authority and the initiative is designed to allow Winchester District businesses to align themselves with a national accreditation. The ceremony saw awards given to Two Hoots campsite, Marwell Zoo, Sustainable Acoustics, Winchester Business Improvement District, 29 Christchurch Road Bed & Breakfast, University of Winchester, Kirton Farm Nurseries, Green Value and Specsavers area office in Whiteley.
Cllr Robert Humby, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business Partnerships, said:
I’d like to pass on my congratulations to the businesses who received today’s awards. Their commitment to building a low carbon economy has helped us achieve a grand total of 327 green actions completed in the Winchester District. These businesses have collectively prevented over 78 tonnes of carbon from being released into the atmosphere. It’s also of note that the actions led to savings equivalent to £12,288 in running costs to these businesses – demonstrating that adopting low carbon practices can make sound business sense.
The Mayor Winchester, Cllr David McLean, added:
I was delighted to present the first businesses with a recycled slate engraved with their name and a certificate. It was good to hear about the actions that have been taken and to give out special awards for businesses who have showed exceptional achievements in improving their green credentials. Two of the businesses: 29 Christchurch Road Bed and Breakfast and Sustainable Acoustics also received the higher Silver Standard.
The Green Impact Winchester scheme complements the support offered via the Sustainable Business Network and the Green Business of the Year award at the Winchester Business Excellence Awards. More information about ideas and help to make your business more sustainable can be found at www.winchester.gov.uk/greenbusiness
for more information, email ecodev@winchester.gov.uk.