Professional Office Cleaning Services, part of the Business Environment group of companies, has planted over 100 young trees to support The National Forest planting scheme in a bid to reduce carbon emissions and create a new wooded landscape for the nation.
The National Forest Company was established to deliver the government’s National Forest Strategy and receives funding from Defra. Employees from the Wembley, Reading , Milton Keynes & Bristol offices, joined the 200-strong Cleaning Services team and headed to a newly named area of the new forest called Poppy Wood where they planted a selection of Oak, Ash, Silver Birch and other native broad leaf young trees.
The National Forest is one of the UK’s boldest and most ambitious environmental projects. To date, nearly eight million trees have been planted and woodland cover has increased from 6% to 18%, in the new forest area, helping to absorb carbon and reduce the impact of climate change.
This new venture for the Professional Office Cleaning Services, which was carried out in line with environmental management standards, was received with enthusiasm from all of the staff members. Commenting on the event Wayne Antoine, Facilities Director, said: “It was wonderful to see everyone working together to make a positive contribution to climate change. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was such a success that we’ve already agreed to take part next year!”
“We strive to maintain green offices at Business Environment, so it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to take a step in contributing to a greener environment nationally too.”
Companies from across the UK were present on the day, taking part in this national initiative to support the creation of The National Forest across 200 square miles of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
The National Forest
Established by Government in April 1995, The National Forest Company leads the creation of The National Forest, a new, wooded landscape for the nation across 200 square miles of central England. The Company leads through working partnerships with landowners, businesses, public, private and voluntary organisations and local communities to fulfil the shared vision for the Forest.
The National Forest Company:
• Attracts and uses resources for ambitious and imaginative Forest creation that is sensitive to the landscape and environment.
• Provides the setting for new businesses, recreation, tourism and an improved quality of life
• Enhances wildlife and biodiversity.
Funding is received to assist in the delivery of the National Forest Strategy from its sponsor department, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). www.nationalforest.org
The trees were purchased by IMSM on behalf of its ISO 14001 clients who also purchased a further tree for every tree planted by its ISO clients to mirror its clients environmental commitments.
