Green Ambassadors: Taking the Experience Home and Into the Local Community

Combining many of our Green Angel commitments, we launched our Green Ambassadors Scheme in 2008.  Following the success of our internal carbon and waste reduction programmes, we wanted to extend the benefits that we had gained internally to our staff.  At a time of rising fuel bills, we felt that we could also help them save money.

Green Ambassadors are staff members that have signed up to report their environmental activity, have it scored and make commitments to improve.   Each year, we review our commitments and celebrate the achievements.

The scoring matrix was developed by Hannah Greaves and Caroline Steer, students from the Cheltenham Ladies College and University of Cambridge, which ensured independence.  Scores are matched to awards.  On a 100 point scale, 60 is awarded Bronze, 70 silver and 80 gold.  In 2008, the average score for the company was 53.  This had risen to 56 in 2009, but shows that there is plenty of scope for improvement.

However, the achievements have been dramatic.  Examples of what ambassadors have achieved include:

1. Dramatically reduced energy consumption.  One Ambassador has reduced their own gas bill by over 50% and also helped their whole street reduce energy consumption by persuading them to install cavity wall insulation.
2. Leaving the car at home.  Ambassadors have travelled more by public transport, as well as increased walking and cycling.  As Helen says, "going to smaller shops by foot rather than large shops by car is so much more fun." 
3. Reducing waste.  Ambassadors are part of the move away from carrier bags, but also to improving recycling in their local areas and reducing the amount they throw away.  One even managed to eliminate all her plastic waste.
4. Improved quality of life.  Many ambassadors have taken up gardening and home working.  In the words of Denise, working from home is "Fabulous! Reduced mileage, saved money and increased work hours wasted in traffic. Improved quality of life!"
5. Community engagement.  Ambassadors are sharing their experience with their local communities and have presented to groups like local Rotarians.  This community building aspect is a critical part of the programme.

In the first year, over 40% of staff were involved in the Green Ambassadors Programme, a number that increased to over 50% in 2009.  The programme has also been shared with a number of other companies in the public and private sectors and it is hoped will be replicated across the UK.