Steve Brine has congratulated The University of Winchester and Dairy Cottage at Cowgrove Farm, which are the first two businesses to achieve the Carbon Smart Winchester certification for their efforts to improve their environmental performance.
The scheme was launched in October 2012, with over 30 businesses taking part so far. Each business is helped through the process of evaluating their carbon footprint, and identifying measures to reduce their impact on the environment by the Carbon Smart team.
Cllr Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Winchester City Council, is delighted with the progress that has been made. He said: "Winchester City Council commissioned Carbon Smart to run a Winchester programme, and they have been highly successful in signing up local businesses. The University of Winchester and Dairy Cottage at Cowgrove Farm are just the first two of a whole stream of businesses whom we expect to be accredited for their green credentials. We are helping our local businesses to take their environmental responsibilities seriously, and reap the financial rewards at the same time."
The University of Winchester has received the prestigious gold award because each and every aspect of the University's interaction with the environment has been considered. This includes a rigorous carbon reduction plan which has seen savings of 22 per cent carbon since 2006. Their actions extend into leading the way and sharing their knowledge and best practice with other organisations and individuals.
Mat Jane, Energy and Environment Manager for the University of Winchester, is pleased to have achieved the gold certification. He said: "The University of Winchester has taken its responsibility towards its environment seriously for some time now. We are constantly looking for new ways to further reduce our carbon footprint, and make efforts to improve our environmental performance wherever possible. Our new Learning and Teaching building, St Alphege, is a very sustainable building!"
Steve Brine said: "I am delighted that Carbon Smart is kicking off across Winchester and particularly pleased that the University, which steps up to the plate so often here in Winchester, has been accredited with a Gold Award here. Congratulations too go to Cowgrove Farm, based in the neighbouring Meon Valley constituency."
Catherine Turness, Projects Manager at Winchester Business Improvement District, added: "The BID is a great supporter of the Carbon Smart Winchester scheme, and we would encourage all of our members to take part. It is free to get involved, and these two businesses have shown that no matter what your size or industry, the scheme can work for you."
The Carbon Smart team spend time learning about each business, and what their needs and aspirations are. They recognise that every business is different with its own identity and therefore concentrate on the areas which are realistic and will make a real difference. At the end of the programme, businesses will be presented with the Carbon Smart Winchester certification.
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