Meet our new Green Champions
Wednesday 8 October 2008
A new crack team of Green Champions will be spreading the environmental word across Haringey Council as we step up our drive to become the greenest borough in London.
More than 50 council officers have signed up to the Green Champions project and will now promote the importance of environmental good practice among their colleagues.
The initiative is part of Haringey’s new Greenest Borough Strategy, through which the council has given a commitment to set an example to other organisations, businesses and residents when it comes to the green agenda.
After volunteering for the scheme, the Green Champions will be provided with a range of factual information, take part in workshops, and go on educational visits to build their expertise on environmental issues.
Subjects will include sustainable travel, energy saving in the workplace, recycling, and reducing the amount of rubbish that is thrown away.
The Green Champions, who represent a wide range of council service areas, will then be asked to pass on this information to colleagues, so helping the council in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Conservation, Cllr Brian Haley, said:
“Our staff are similar to staff in any other organisation. Some are clearly experts on environmental issues, some are really keen to help out but don’t know the ins and outs, and some haven’t really got involved with the green agenda so far.
“The Green Champions project is about ensuring that we ingrain a culture of environmental awareness and good practice right across the council, so that we can set an example to everyone else in Haringey when it comes to protecting the environment and tackling climate change.
“The Green Champions will be responsible for getting the message across that it is simply unacceptable for any member of staff to leave their computers on overnight, to throw away materials that could be recycled, or travel unnecessarily by car.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has volunteered for this project, and I look forward to working with them over the coming months as we seek to make Haringey the greenest borough in London.”
The Green Champions will be supporting and promoting a wide range of initiatives by Haringey Council to cut CO2 emissions from its own operations.
These include:
- New electric pool cars and pool bikes for staff
- Cycling incentive schemes and staff discounts negotiated at local bike stores
- A “voltage optimisation” system at four council buildings to cut energy use by up to 10 per cent
- Introduction of parking charges at council sites to deter car use by staff
- Promotion of flexible and home working to reduce staff travel
Greenest Borough Strategy
Haringey Council’s Greenest Borough Strategy was agreed in July 2008. It sets out a wide range of actions and objectives for improving the environment and tackling climate change over the next 10 years.
There are seven priority areas: Improving the urban environment; protecting the natural environment; managing environmental resources efficiently; leading by example; sustainable design and construction; promoting sustainable travel; and raising awareness and involvement.
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