Housing Chief Executive Chairs ‘Green Team’

March 20 2007

Trustees at the oldest housing association in Birmingham have approved an Environmental Strategy in a major commitment to help to reduce carbon emissions throughout the whole organisation, and generally contribute towards a range of environmental goals.

Bournville Village Trust in Bournville has appointed a ‘Green Team’ chaired by the Chief Executive, Peter Roach, to promote and monitor a number of environmental action points for all 300 staff. These will range from a long list of simple things such as switching off lights and maximising the use of natural daylight as well as emailing documents instead of circulating printed copies.

Other major issues will include reviewing car users’ allowances with a view to providing incentives for staff to use environmentally friendly vehicles. The team´s list of priorities includes researching a green electricity supply and introducing a green award for staff.

Residents too will be encouraged to join the campaign.

The ‘Green Team’ one of whom will be based in each office location will be encouraging staff to turn off taps and lights, to walk instead of drive and to encourage greater use of bicycles.

Chief Executive, Peter Roach said: "We all have an important role to play as individuals in helping to reduce the effects of global warming. Climate changes are not going to go away and we need to look at reducing our dependency on non-renewable resources and creating a more sustainable future for us all. Our commitment is evident in that the ‘Green Team’ is chaired from the top."

"Although initially some of these changes appear insignificant, over time they do represent major costs to Bournville Village Trust and to the environment."

Bournville Village Trust will be liaising with ‘green’ organisations such as Friends of the Earth for help and advice with this very worthwhile investment.