GREEN PROJECT AWARD

AN ORGANISATION which works with unemployed people on open spaces walked away with the Green Project award.

Envirowork, based in Brockley Grove, Lewisham, has provided employment and training in horticulture and landscaping for 130 long-term unemployed people during its first two years.

The group has worked on more than 350 projects ranging from maintaining cemeteries, nature reserves and allotments, to the creation of communal open spaces and school wildlife gardens.

In partnership with Lewisham Council, the organisation trains people in ground maintenance, horticultural skills and health and safety.

Project director Peter Ranken said: “I am absolutely delighted.

“But the unsung heroes are the 130 trainees on the project who have worked so hard over the past two-and-a-half years.”

GREEN HOUSEHOLD AWARD

A RETIRED couple from Bickley who designed an environmentally-friendly house won the Green Household category.

Dr Herbert Edmonds and his wife Hannah, a retired managing director and teacher respectively, decided to build their own green home.

The house in Timms Close, named after their architect Nick Timms, includes low voltage lighting and a 10,000-litre water tank.

A solar panel provides energy for hot water, meaning no electricity is needed during the summer months.

They also have twin boilers and a duel flush toilet.

Mr Timms collected the award on behalf of the couple.

He said: “I am really proud to have got this award on behalf of them. It was a fantastic evening.

“But it is important to remember they were the client and the inspiration behind this project.”

YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARD

TEENAGER Jamie Douglas was rewarded with the Young Environmentalist prize for his tireless paper recycling.

The 18-year-old almost single-handedly set up the Group Acting for Environmental Awareness (GAEA) to promote paper recycling at St Olave’s Grammar School, Goddington Lane, Orpington.

He was also instrumental in organising the fundraising and work needed to redevelop the school pond.

It now attracts wildlife and is used as a teaching area.

Jamie and the GAEA are currently looking at the school’s carbon footprint in terms of consumption, water usage, transport and food to find ways to reduce environmental impact.

Speaking after receiving the award, Jamie, said: “I was really surprised to be nominated and even more surprised to win.

“I am representing the students. There are 50 other students who have done a lot of hard work.”

GREEN CHAMPION

SCHOOL gardener Jim Kemp won the Green Champion award for his commitment to environmental work.

Mr Kemp has worked with students at Westwood College, The Green, Falconwood, on green areas of the school.

He has also pushed several green projects forward.

Headteacher Corinne Botten collected the award on behalf of Mr Kemp, who was in Sri Lanka when the ceremony was held.

She said: “All of this evening’s awards are about teamwork. At Westwood we are lucky enough to have a very strong team of excellent people who are committed to the environment.”

GREEN BUSINESS AWARD

A CHINESE food company picked up the Green Business award for its creative green initiatives.

Mount Tai Foods, Eastdown Park, Lewisham, recycles all its paper, glass and cardboard.

It has also started using duck fat for biodiesel fuel. Fairtrade products are used for staff refreshments and most of the company’s packaging is reusable.

The business has also installed automatic switch-off to save electricity.

And there is also a culture of environmentally-friendly business practices throughout the company.

The food manufacturer’s general director Geeta Cohli said: “It has been a wonderful evening.

“We are so proud to pick up this award.

“Hopefully this will help other businesses realise it is possible to help the environment and make money at the same time.”

GREEN PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARD

STILLNESS Infant and Junior School walked away with the green primary school award after working hard to increase environmental awareness among children, staff, parents and the community.

The school in Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, recycles paper, card and plastic bottles along with printer cartridges, mobile phones and stamps.

Pupils regularly collect litter and have also created a wildlife garden in the school grounds.

Fruit waste at the school is collected for composting while solar panels have also been installed on the school’s roof.

The infant school’s eco co-ordinator Janet Hurst said: “The children see things like climate change on television and now not only are they doing something positive, but they have been recognised for it.”

GREEN BUILDING AWARD

THE Bromley Environmental Education Centre, which is due to open next month, picked up the prize for best Green Building.

The education centre in High Elms will provide learning opportunities for Bromley residents.

It will include environmentally-based courses for the community and outdoor learning for children.

Facilities will include a single-storey timber framed visitor centre with straw bale walls and a green roof.

The centre will also have a cafe, exhibition space and educational facilities.

Eco-friendly paints will be used to decorate the interior.

The building is set to be the biggest of its type when it opens.

Project manager Martin Hussey said: “I am absolutely elated. The project has been fantastic and it is a pleasure to be able to work on such an important building for the community.”

Click on the thumbnails to view the full images, and go to pages two and three for more pictures.

Pages: (3) |1| 2 3