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Peterborough’s Zero Waste project sets national lead...
Peterborough has reinforced its growing reputation as the UK’s Environment Capital by securing the nation’s first accreditation for the new Zero Waste standard.
Peterborough’s Zero Waste Places project has already helped 120 businesses improve their waste management, diverted over 3,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, prevented 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions and saved over £20,000 since its launch in April 2008.
Peterborough received praise for its achievements from Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn when he visited to hear about the project in September 2009. The project also earned a prestigious Green Apple award for environmental excellence.
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Now Peterborough’s achievements have been accredited with a national Zero Waste standard awarded by an expert consortium from Defra, the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Centre, and Northampton University.
This national standard is designed to promote effective waste management amongst cities across the country and recognise those areas exceeding national targets.
The accreditation has been awarded to Peterborough’s city centre – specifically relating to the Queensgate shopping centre, Cathedral Square, and the adjoining streets.
Helen Bird of the BREW Centre for Local Authorities said “The original Zero Waste Places scheme aimed to trial innovation in waste management to establish what activities we should be asking all UK cities to undertake.
“The accreditation recognises the achievements of cities like Peterborough and denotes a marker in the sand for best practice for which all our cities should be aiming.”
The process for achieving accreditation involves vigorous assessment by an expert panel led by Northampton University.
Hugh Cripps, Chief Executive of Peterborough Environment City Trust, the environmental charity behind the project, is delighted that the city’s green credentials have been put in the spotlight.
He said: “In Peterborough the environment is our key priority. Our original Zero Waste Places project achieved some fantastic results and identified some key activities that could be replicated elsewhere in the country.
“I am delighted that Peterborough is the first city to receive the Zero Waste accreditation. This will certainly help reinforce our growing reputation as the UK’s environment Capital.”
The Zero Waste Places project has been supported by Peterborough City Council, Opportunity Peterborough, contractors Osborne, demolition firm Connell Brothers and waste contractor Donarbon Ltd.
Photo Caption: Hugh Cripps, Chief Executive of PECT, receives his certificate from Professor Paul Phillips, Northampton University and Helen Bird from the BREW Centre for Local Authorities.
Notes to Editor:
Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is a charity set up following Peterborough’s designation as a UK Environment City in 1992. PECT carries out research and implements practical projects to protect and improve the environment. Our mission at PECT is to lead and support the city in delivering growth and regeneration in a truly environmentally sustainable way.
As a successful charity we work with a wide variety of stakeholders to make a difference for our environment – through innovation, enterprise and commitment to action on the ground. PECT has a strong track record of delivering projects of regional and national significance. It has a staff of 35 working on initiatives from green spaces to business environmental management to sustainable communities and lifestyles.
For further information please contact:
Nyree Ambarchian, Marketing & Communications Officer
Tel: 01733 866 437
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