RECAP News
15/12/2009 - 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.
Now the 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.”
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