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The Channel Islands Co-operative Society Limited has achieved a Silver Keep Guernsey Green Award.
The award recognises organisations that help Guernsey maintain a healthy, clean environment, by operating to best practice in waste management and energy conservation.
To achieve a Silver award, the society had to demonstrate how the retailer had continued with and built on its previous pledges to maintain its environmental ethos and highlight new 'green' initiative. This includes a travel audit for each store with bike racks provided to encourage healthy travel and to reduce the society's carbon footprint, establishing a plastic working group to identify opportunities to reduce plastics in-store, as well as the installation of LED lighting and closed refrigerators to reduce energy consumption.
Each of the stores was scored individually against the criteria, with the St Sampson’s En Route store scoring the highest mark within the Silver band out of all the stores.
"We are so proud that our stores across the island have been recognised for the society's commitment towards to environment," said Head of Retail Operations Kenny McDonald. "I am particularly pleased that EnRoute St Sampson was awarded the highest marks within the Silver band across all categories. As a community retailer we take our environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and minimising our impact is an integral consideration that is built into our processes and procedures."
Pictured: All of the Co-op stores were evaluated and received a Silver award.
Independent Assessor for the award Keith Tapscott said: "As part of a much larger organisation, the Channel Islands Co-op has the advantage of being able to benefit from large scale initiatives, both taking place and being planned for the future. In addition, the creation of a Channel Island Community Services function has further enhanced green and ethical credentials by way of providing funding and support for many local projects and activities. Environmental matters are considered and addressed as part of daily operations by store managers, with the assistance of the Community Officer."
Each organisation that applies for the award is subject to an assessment which monitors its current actions and future commitments to reduce waste, increase recycling and improve energy conservation. An assessor is assigned to each organisation and provides guidance and support throughout the process.
The award is open to any size and type of organisation in Guernsey and is valid for three years after which it can be revalidated on a triennial basis. Further information is available via gov.gg.
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