Green Apple Award
The council, together with its partners, has received a prestigious Green Apple award for environmental best practice in recognition of its successful Tap into Savings campaign.
Our Tap into Savings project was launched in February to help residents in the borough make the most of water, gas and electricity while saving money.
The awards
The awards are organised by the Green Organisation which is an independent environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.
These awards are now in their fifteenth year and well established as one of the major environmental recognition schemes, both in the UK and internationally
The Green Apple Awards for environmental best practice are supported by the Environment Agency and several environmental and waste-related professional bodies and will be presented at the House of Commons in November.
The project
Tap into Savings in Redhill and Merstham focused on people who may be struggling financially in the economic downturn. It has helped nearly 900 homes to save water, energy, and money on household bills, through environmental and money-saving advice and installation of environmental products such as:
- hot water tank jackets
- reflective radiator panels
- energy monitors and ‘power-downs’
- toilet cistern kits
- aerated showerheads and shower adaptors and
- tap inserts.
Achievements
- over 5000 homes received environmental information.
- 1330 pupils in 3 local primary schools benefited when the schools received water retrofits, energy monitors and water-saving education sessions.
- 23 households took part in EcoTeams – neighbourhood groups of friends and relatives, that are an easy and fun way of saving water and energy and reducing waste.
- around 470 tonnes of household CO2 emissions will be avoided per year.
- there will also be major benefits in terms of water and waste savings.
- the extensive partnership behind this project optimised grants and skills to deliver the best possible outcome for residents.
Future
This pilot project will now be rolled out across England by Waterwise. Jointly involving more than 10,000 people, it will be one of the biggest water and energy saving projects in the UK.
Partners and funders
Partners and funders included Raven Housing Trust, Waterwise, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Global Action Plan, The Environment Agency, Regional Housing and Regeneration Board and Defra’s Greener Living Fund.
Contact
Sustainable Energy Project Manager sustainability@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.
Last updated : 26/08/2010
