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SOUTH YORKSHIRE CELEBRATES RECOGNITION OF ITS GREEN CREDENTIALS AT THIRD PRESTIGIOUS CARE4AIR AWARDS
August 2010
2010 has seen record numbers of local people and organisations putting themselves and others forward for prestigious Care4Air awards. South Yorkshire has done itself proud this year, with nominations from local schools, businesses and community organisations. This is the third year of the annual awards ceremony, which took place at a formal dinner at Sheffield�s top city centre hotel � St Paul�s.
Care4Air, South Yorkshire�s air quality awareness campaign hosted the awards to recognise local people who are making a significant contribution to air quality in the region, and to promote the best practice so others can follow their lead.
Over 40 nominees were put forward for awards this year, all aiming for a top prize in one of the award categories - Individual Award, Community Award, Education Award, Business Award and Outstanding Contribution to Improving Air Quality. To ensure the night ran smoothly ITV�s Calendar weatherman, Jon Mitchell, made a guest appearance to compere the event and also hand over the awards to the winners.
This years Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Clipper Logistics Group went to the Sheffield City College for it�s amazing sustainable new building. Julie Byrne Principal of Sheffield City College said:
�It demonstrates a solid pledge to Sheffield�s sustainability plans through numerous environmental features including wind turbines, solar panels, rainwater recycling, grass roofs, composting, linking into a low carbon district heating network, the creation of green space and encouragement of wildlife. �The building is equipped with outstanding vocational facilities, and aims to raise aspirations and achievement among young people looking to gain employment skills. We would like to acknowledge the main project partners JF Finnegan, Jefferson Sheard Architects and AECOM, who have done a fantastic job for us.�
Other Winners, all of whom showed exceptional commitment to helping the environment and improving air quality, were:
Wisewood Secondary School � Winner in the Education category sponsored by the Eco Schools Project.
Wisewood Eco-School project has gone from strength to strength over the last 2 years, kicking off a number of successful initiatives including Wisewood Eco-Hour, when staff and students work together by switching off as many PCs, lights and electrical equipment as possible over one lesson. Not only does this reduce CO2 emissions, it helps students to understand their impact on the planet and has helped save an amazing �15,600 on fuel bills in only 12 months.
Aviva Plc - Winner in the Business category sponsored by the University of Sheffield
Aviva Plc has introduced a car share scheme, installed energy efficient lighting and heating in their Sheffield offices and increased recycling rates of their general waste to 78%. Aviva offsets any carbon emissions they have not been able to reduce by purchasing offsetting credits and has a long-term reduction goal - to reduce carbon emissions by a further 30% by 2020. Aviva are the first UK Insurer to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard, which recognises good practice in carbon measurement, management and reduction.
Amyan Macfadyen - Winner in the Individual category
Amyan Macfadyen has cut his carbon footprint by half. He spent 3 years transforming his 140-year-old Victorian semi - he generates his own electricity and heats his own hot water using photovoltaic panels, collects rainwater via a green roof and uses a wood burning biomass-heating system. Amyan regularly opens his environmentally friendly home to visitors.
Rotherham�s Oakwood Technology College - Winner in the Education category sponsored by the Eco Schools Project.
Two years ago staff and students at Oakwood Technology College kicked off an ambitious project to improve the sustainability of the college. Now two 21KW turbines are now generating electricity direct into the school, photovoltaic panels are in operation on the Maths block and their output readout is displayed in the main foyer. There are ten electric car hook up points in the new car park, plans for a poly tunnel at the heart of the school and a proposal for green roofs and brown water systems.
Doncaster�s Rossington St Michaels C of E Primary School - Winner in the Education category sponsored by the Eco Schools Project.
Staff and students hosted an eco week to highlight the need to recycle. The children put on a fashion show, with clothes made from recycled materials, staged musical performances using instruments made from rubbish and students in year 6 children put on special assemblies to promote safe cycling to school. The school provides cycling proficiency training classes and is planning a new school garden to help the children learn about growing their own food and where the food they eat comes from.
Barnsley Academy � Winner in the Education category sponsored by the Eco Schools Project.
Barnsley Academy was built with a biomass boiler to reduce CO2 emissions. In June 2009 the school implemented an automated solution to turn off all PC�s and laptops after 4.40pm, leading to a 50% reduction in electricity costs. Other energy saving measures include light sensors in all locations and all building controls set on timers to ensure nothing is left on after school working hours. Classrooms and offices have paper-recycling bins and ink cartridges are recycled. The Academy also has a travel plan in place that encourages students to walk, car-share or use a cycle.
Click here for video profiles and more information on this year's winners