Three local organisations jointly scooped the silver prize at the glittering awards ceremony which recognised their recycling project. 

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and Serco won the ‘Green Apple Award’ held in the House of Commons, London last Friday (11 November 2016) in the Environmental Improvement.category for their joint segregation project initiative.

Chris Sharp, Matron - Infection Prevention and Control, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust explained: “We were delighted to be presented with the silver award.  Our scheme was set up to audit and review all of the Trust’s waste streams. Through a series of simple changes to operational practices large benefits to both compliance and cost effectiveness are predicted and these benefits, along with the ease of introduction, have been recognised by the judging panel in issuing the national award.

“The departmental visits allowed for staff involvement and improved local awareness. We found that staff are committed to improving their recycling compliance where possible.  Building on this success the Trust hopes to undertake a similar audit to all departments within the Trust.”

David Tucker, Waste Manager, Serco ASP said: “I am absolutely delighted with the receipt of the Green Apple Award. This recognises the hard work that has been put in by all parties concerned over the past few years in improving the waste management practices throughout each Trust with the associated benefits of improved compliance, good environmental practice and cost efficiencies. All in all a great demonstration of close partnership working.”

Nicola Sharp, Head of Infection Prevention and Control at CPFT said: “It is great to be recognised for a collaborative piece of work that will make a difference not only to our staff and patients, but to the environment too.”

The Awards were established in 1994 as an annual campaign to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.

The aims of the awards are to improve environmental performance, encourage the efficient use of resources, enhance the competitiveness of organisations, support the wider goals of sustainable development including social benefits through community and staff involvement and to help the Green Apple Award winners to benefit from their environmental endeavours.

The Awards are run by The Green Organisation – an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group.

Photo (from left to right): 
Roger Wolen - Founder and Managing Director of the Green Organisation
Chris Sharp - Matron, Infection Prevention and Control, CCS NHS Trust
Nicola Sharp - Head of Infection Prevention and Control, CPFT
David Tucker  - Waste Manager, Serco ASP