A WARRINGTON college is among a number of organisations in the running for a top award today (Tuesday) as a result of its “green” activities.
Warrington Collegiate has been nominated for “best environmental practice in the North West Business Environment Awards.
Supported by environmental organisations including Envirolink North West and the North West Eco-Innovations Programme, the awards recognise and reward companies taking significant steps to put environmental concerns at the heart of their business success and raise awareness of environmental issues.
The “best environmental practice” category highlights companies that have made a commitment to environmental improvements in the running of their day-to-day operations.
As part of their environmental improvement program, the collegiate targeted a reduction in consumption of resources – with energy and paper as priority.
Despite the 26.5 per cent increase in student numbers and lengthened opening hours, system improvements to lighting systems and the introduction of voltage reduction equipment has successfully reduced the collegiate’s electricity consumption by 6.7 per cent in the last year – equivalent to about £10,000.
The collegiate also introduced printing policies and caps to decrease the 2.3 million sheets of paper consumed every year. A target reduction of one million sheets has been met, saving about 186 trees, energy consumption and about £6,130 in paper and ink costs.
Director of facilities and operations Bridget Floyd said: “The collegiate is a major employer in the area and has the ability to influence a large number of people including staff, students and visitors. As educators we should be seen as leaders in developing environmental practice for the future.
“We are proud to be recognised for our achievements in this area and it’s great to see how businesses in Warrington are also now incorporating environmental improvements into their business practice.”
