A parish environmental group has scooped a prestigious regional award for its contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
Whittington and Fisherwick Environmental Group (WFEG) were the winners of the Community section of the first ever West Midlands C+ Carbon Positive awards which were announced at the Prince’s May Day summit in Birmingham. They beat off fierce competition from projects in Birmingham and Hereford.
Organised by Business in the Community and supported by Advantage West Midlands, the first ever West Midlands C+ Carbon Positive Awards celebrate businesses and community organisations that are making significant contributions to tackling climate change.
Whittington and Fisherwick Environment Group put forward the entry based on the work they have been doing to encourage parish residents, community organisations and businesses to save energy, switch to lower carbon forms of transport and reduce food miles.
WFEG Chair Mike Kinghan said:
“It is very encouraging to see this recognition by regional bodies of the efforts people living in our parish have made to save energy and carbon. I hope that this will inspire villagers to do even more – and also encourage other communities and businesses to focus on this vitally important issue. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our funders and supporters, principally Staffordshire County Council through the Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme, but also Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council and Lichfield District Council.”
David Darlaston, Regional Director of Business in the Community, was delighted with the response from the region. He said:
“This is the first year we have held the C+ Awards and we had over 50 entries, with the winners providing a clear indication of the quality, the innovation and the commitment clearly present in big businesses, small firms and community organisations. It is vitally important for our region to embrace the Carbon Reduction Commitment and these accolades will perform a dual role in promoting the companies who are leading the way and act as inspirations for others to follow.
People wanting to find out more about WFEG, or become involved themselves, should contact Mike Kinghan on 01543 432238 or 07932 757826 or Cynthia Knowles on 01543 432188, or visit the WFEG website.