NEA- ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
NEA is an organisation which takes its responsibility for the environment seriously – we could not campaign for fuel efficiency in fuel poor households without such a commitment
The Board of NEA first adopted formal policies on its environmental responsibility in 1996 and continues to follow this in all aspects of its operation.
All staff are briefed on the contribution that they can make and how to comply with the procedures in place; and the organisation reviews its progress on an annual basis.
NEA was the first organisation in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to join the Carbon Neutral Newcastle organisation, which aims to balance the carbon footprint of any organisation by an investment in forest planting and other CO2 reductions http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/carbonneutral
NEA Green Apple Award Achievements
In 2005 the Charity was awarded the Green Apple Gold Award for its environmental endeavours.
This was the second year running that NEA scooped the prestigious award.
The award was made for demonstrating best practice in the Community and Voluntary Organisations section. A prizegiving ceremony was held at the Houses of Parliament on November 8th 2005 to recognise the achievements of the winning organisations. Specific reference was made to NEA's application which detailed the Family and Environment Day, recycling activities and the development of an Environment team. These activities were emphasised as examples of best practice methods.
A key factor in driving forward the environment policy of NEA is the strong support from senior management level.
For further information on the Green Apple Awards use the link below:
http://www.thegreenorganisation.info/
Reducing environmental impact- in the workplace
NEA is not a manufacturing organisation, so the scope for making a major impact on the environment is limited. Despite this, NEA can and does analyse all aspects of its operations to see how we can:
- minimise consumption of materials and energy
- make maximum use of recycled materials and other “green purchases”
- analyse the waste streams to separate them and direct them to recycling where possible
- use insulation and draught-proofing wherever possible
- use low carbon means of travel
- comply with statutory requirements
As an environmentally responsible organisation, it is important to be environmentally aware at the office. There are various methods that can yield significant savings within the workplace and demonstrate good practice. The following list shows some examples of how NEA minimises its environmental impact:
- Draught Proofing
- Reflectors on radiators
- Thermostatic radiator valves
- Printer Cartridges are recycled
- Timers on Electrical products / low energy products
- Can/ glass/ plastic/ paper recycling
- Photocopier paper and stationery are recycled
NEA’s main office in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has had the same energy efficient lightbulbs in place now for ten years… who says they don’t last!?
Carbon Footprint
NEA regularly calculates its Carbon footprint as a way of trying to manage its activities towards the most sustainable level possible. If you want to measure your own footprint, Defra have come up with a useful tool Click here for details.
NEA Family and Environment Day
The Environment Team organise a trip out each Summer to raise awareness of environmental issues in our local region. The event is aimed at staff and their children. The aim is to teach pass on the environmental message to a new generation whilst showing that this can also be fun! In 2005 we organised an activities day in a local park which included activities such as river sampling and identifying invertebrate species.
In 2006 the Team organised a trip to Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle on the North East coast. This day-trip was extremely well attended and highlighted the valuable landscapes and biodiversity deserving of careful conservation right on our very doorstep.
A selection of photos from the day. Despite the weather causing the cancellation of a planned boat trip it did not dampen anyone's enthusiasm!
In 2007 we followed up with a fantastic day out at the Newburn Tyne Riverside Country Park. The weather in June 2007 was atrocious, but on the morning of July 1st a small window of sun shone on the NEA staff and their children! We took a leisurely stroll around the beautiful surroundings and families completed an environmental quiz. Following our well-deserved picnics a prize ceremony was held to reward particpants with prizes such as a Solar Powered ipod / mobile phone charger, solar powered lighting and a decorative solar feature. There was even a final prize of birdfood which was called 'Energy Balls' so one lucky family will have hungry magpies flocking to their garden! Everyone found one last burst of energy to play a range of games including cricket. It was only after our exhausted group settled down for a well earned drink that the clouds decided to unleash more rain. Fortunately, by then, the Environment Day had already been a successful and thoroughly enjoyable day!
NEA Tree Planting Day
Each year the Environment Team organise and participate in a practical conservation day in partnership with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Members of staff are asked to volunteer to participate in a tree planting day. As has always been the case, staff responded positively and fully supported the project. The latest tree planting day was held on February 25th 2007. Eight volunteers were recruited for the day.
What did this involve?
First of all a great deal of commitment to be ready for 9.30 am sharp on a Sunday morning! The group then made its way to a reserved site north of Newcastle near Morpeth. Here, we donned our waterproofs and collected our spades and various species of tree shoots. After six hours of hard work with many laughs along the way the group had planted the first shoots in establishing an ‘NEA woodland.’
What will this achieve?
The ‘NEA woodland’ will be used to offset carbon emissions resulting directly from the organisations activities. For example, it has already accounted for significantly more than the 1 tonne of carbon emissions calculated from NEA’s annual conference in York in 2005. This strategy contributes towards NEA’s status as carbon neutral. Furthermore, the woodland will be a lasting symbol of NEA’s contribution to environmental best practice.
A selection of pictures from the day
After a superb team effort a great deal of pride was felt by all!
For further information please contact:
Environment Officer: Chris Ellis
Deputy Environment Officer: Claire Green