Mar 12 2007
Award winning Asbestos Removal Contractor Silverdell UK Ltd, has demonstrated its commitment to cutting carbon emissions and started its new corporate social responsibility initiative by taking part in a tree-planting ceremony with children from local schools.
Directors of Silverdell met with representatives from Carbonfreelife and children from local primary schools in Kent to plant the trees last month.
The tree planting was intended to show how Silverdell and other large contractors can actively engage the local community, and lead the way for others to show their company commitment to reduce emissions by planting trees to offset the additional emissions.
The new forests being planted in Kent are set to make more than just an environmental impact to the local and wider business community.
Danny Spicer, Chief Executive Officer for Silverdell said, "We wanted to engage both the local community and business partners in the scheme, rather than just commission new plantations to improve our carbon footprint by offsetting carbon emissions. The aim has been to inspire to wider audiences through an 'interactive' forestry project. To achieve this, we worked with Carbonfreelife who specialise in developing and managing plantations to reduce environmental impact."
Working together, the initiative has gathered momentum rapidly, with local schools taking up the opportunity for children to plant trees, learn about local habitats, and understand more about environmental sustainability; opportunities which many children never experience.'
Joanna Higgins, Carbonfreelife said, "70 children from 2 local primary schools from Farnborough and Chelsfield have been the first to get 'hands dirty' and plant trees in a 'natural' classroom environment in an event which took place last week. The children were buzzing with excitement and interest, and the wet conditions did nothing to dampen spirits and their performance." The event was supported by Shell and ISG InteriorExterior.
Schools will have the opportunity to use the plantations as a learning resource and community initiatives will be supported as part of our innovative approach to community forests. Silverdell plan further 'interactive' plantations around the UK based on similar principles.