Initiatives our Alice Holt site in Surrey
News from Forest Research: December 2008
The UK Government has shown its commitment to addressing the effects of climate change with the introduction of the Climate Change Act. This Act has legally binding targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 80% by 2050 and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of at least 26% by 2020. In addition, the Scottish Government published its Climate Change Bill on 5 December, which includes an 80% reduction target for greenhouse gases by 2050, an interim 50% reduction by 2030 and annual targets in the intervening years.
The Forestry Commission launched its Greenerways Project in response to the requirement that all government departments meet the carbon reduction targets for energy, travel and waste. The Greenerways team works with staff across the Commission to raise awareness of climate change and encourage staff to adopt sustainable practices.
In November, delegates at the Forestry Commission’s first national meeting of Greenerways local ‘champions’ heard from Vicki Lawrence (Forest Research) about initiatives at the Alice Holt site in Surrey. Vicki commented:
“Recycling is one area where staff at Alice Holt have made real progress. We’ve significantly increased the levels of paper recycling and widened the range of materials we recycle.”
Forest Research is also making progress at its Northern Research Station (near Edinburgh) and fieldstations based at Talybont (Brecon), Ae (near Dumfries) and Newton (near Elgin). Increased rail travel and video conferencing have helped reduce the carbon footprint generated by staff travel. Vicki added:
“We recognise we can’t change everything overnight. Meeting energy targets is a particular challenge when you work in old buildings, but we’re determined to make a difference!”
For further information please contact Hugh Williams at hugh.williams@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
