Green champions wanted

According to Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, Scottish businesses are growing more aware of the importance of leading healthy working lives and of conserving the environment. They say that research shows that organisations which invest in the local community and develop their employees enjoy greater staff satisfaction, well-being and retention levels.

Companies in the Lothians can now help to enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility strategies by joining  the Trust’s ‘Green Champions’ scheme and  working towards a greener, happier, healthier business.  ‘Green Champions’ corporate membership packages start at £500 and benefits include  one free team challenge event in a local greenspace, or a bespoke programme of walks, designed to get staff active, as well as creating opportunities for positive promotion and the fulfilment of CSR obligations.

Three local businesses have already come forward and joined the scheme:  Edinburgh Airport, Arup and City Cabs have all chosen to take action and help to improve the quality of local greenspaces whilst offering a range of benefits to their staff and business.

ELGT Fundraising Manager Liz Stewart said “We have only just launched the scheme and our first impressions are that even though budgets are tight and companies are being careful, there is still a keenness to get involved with charitable giving at a local level – where businesses can get involved and see the positive benefits to communities and the environment at first hand.”

Kevin Brown, Managing Director, Edinburgh Airport, said:

“Edinburgh Airport has a solid track record in supporting and promoting “green” business in its surrounding communities.  We’re therefore delighted to join with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust as a Green Business Champion.  Their focus on the practical fits with well with the airport’s positive approach and we look forward to working with the team to create great green spaces in West Edinburgh.”

Wayne Russell, Sales and Marketing Manager at City Cabs (Edinburgh) Ltd said:

“At City Cabs (Edinburgh) Ltd we recognise the importance of businesses support in the local community. After meeting with ELGT, we knew straight away that we would be getting involved with  a charity that is making a positive difference and we also knew that we were going to get the support we needed in our quest to become as green and environmentally friendly as possible”.

The Trust carries out practical environmental projects, such as the creation of community parks, gardens, woodlands, allotments and other greenspaces and works with communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians, getting people active and enjoying the parks and woodlands around the capital.

Quality local greenspaces are fantastic, free resources for play, education, exercise and enjoyment and can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

For further information on becoming a corporate Green Champion, please contact Liz Stewart on 0131 445 4025, email liz@elgt.org.uk or visit the Trust’s website www.elgt.org.uk.