As part of Planet Wimborne’s Green Festival, local businesses enjoyed a free forum, organised by Wimborne BID, to discover how some fellow traders are actively reducing their carbon footprint.
Sharing their ideas and initiatives were Lucy Greenwood and Mel Stirling, eco ambassadors at Teachers Building Society. Since 2018, staff at what is one of Wimborne’s biggest employers, have created environmental working groups to initiate changes to working practices. The business is now recognised as a Plastic Free Champion with only reusable cups and water bottles allowed in the workplace. All lights in the office are now LED giving 80% more efficiency. Outside the premises, the team has created a wildflower border to encourage wildlife. They have also been working in the local community on projects such as tree-planting schemes at Moors Valley Country Park and War on Waste litter picks, as well as gaining the coveted ‘Litter Free Coast and Sea Award’.
Mel Stirling said: “The catalyst for change at Teachers has been driven by the staff and many of the eco initiatives we’ve introduced in the workplace are now being implemented by our team at home. Our aim is to not just do research on how we can reduce our carbon impact but act on it. Our committee is now working towards greater reduction of the business carbon footprint and working towards carbon zero.”
As well as helping to save the planet, Matt Renaut, Managing Director of Dacombes of Wimborne, shared how he is helping save money in his business through solar energy to help power the hundreds of domestic appliances, televisions and state-of-the-art home cinemas in his large Dorset showroom.
The family-run business on Leigh Road, which was founded in 1920, has been working in conjunction with Low Carbon Dorset, a green grant initiative for businesses run by Dorset Council.
Matt Renaut explained: “With air-conditioning, lighting, TVs and displays, our electricity drain equated to having three kettles boiling all day long. I used to have to sit down before opening our monthly electricity bill! Wimborne BID put me in touch with Low Carbon Dorset and our power is now self-sufficient during opening hours.”
Joining Matt was Erik Blakely, Technical Officer for Low Carbon Dorset which has already given out £8.5million in grants to help businesses in the county become more sustainable. As well as grants, Low Carbon Dorset offers free and impartial energy-saving advice to any businesses wanting to reduce their environmental impact. Visit Low Carbon Dorset – Helping reduce Dorset’s footprint to find out more.
An exhibition detailing projects supported by Low Carbon Dorset is on display in Wimborne Minster during Planet Wimborne’s Green Festival until 19th October.
BID Chairperson, Fiona Harwood commented: “It’s so impressive to hear these stories of local businesses making a positive impact with evidence to prove it. What was really evident is that small changes can make a huge difference, and that the most important thing is to take the first step.
Sustainability is a big part of the BID Strategy and we’re so proud to have these eco champion businesses in this town.”
Dr Neil Smith, one of Planet Wimborne’s Directors who helped draft the Sustainability Strategy, said, “We were delighted to be able to work with Wimborne BID to produce this Strategy. The town is already rightly proud of its environmental credentials and this Strategy clearly shows both organisations are passionate to improve the local area for businesses and so help the town thrive.
Sustainability is now a core and positive element for businesses to embrace and this Strategy helps them see what they can do to improve the environment. But our involvement does not end here, as we look forward to continuing our partnership working and see the Strategy actions fulfilled.”