Environment
Somer Community Housing Trust is committed to
positive environmental management, through which we seek to reduce
our environmental impacts and make the most effective use of
natural resources.
This commitment is central to the Group-wide Environmental
Strategy. The six key themes of the strategy are:
- Energy
- Water
- Resources and materials
- Waste management
- Travel
- Valuing our natural environment
An Environmental Action Group is made up of representatives from
all parts of Somer Housing Group and includes two Board
members.
The Environmental Action Group monitors progress in achieving
strategic objectives and also generates new thinking and action.
The rolling Environmental Action Plan features a challenging range
of projects that are making a real difference in the way that we
operate, and reports on progress are reported to the Group
Executive team on a quarterly basis.
During 2008 a key theme will be to develop a more
challenging environmental vision - one that the whole organisation
can play a part in achieving. We want to reduce our carbon
emissions to the lowest level while still being able to meet our
other strategic aims and objectives.
Current or recently completed actions include:
- The switch to 80 per cent recycled office paper.
- The development of a Waste Management Policy.
- The recruitment of five staff Energy Champions.
- The switch to dual-flush toilets in all new developments and
refurbishment programmes.
- An exciting project that is enhancing the bio-diversity and
community enjoyment of The Plantation (a large copse) in
Writhlington, Radstock.
For further information contact Chris Boyes on
01225 366144 or email chris_boyes@somer.org.uk.