They could be Heroes

FESTIVAL Place is the latest organisation to be nominated for the Green Watch Heroes Awards.

The event is being run by Gazette Newspapers in partnership with local energy supplier Southern Electric, and aims to celebrate the efforts being made by local people to help combat climate change, boost the recycling rate and reduce the amount of waste produced in Basingstoke and Deane.

Jane Stewart, marketing manager of the shopping centre, nominated Festival Place for the awards by highlighting the changes that have been introduced at the centre to minimise its impact on the environment.

These include:

• the introduction of a £100,000 Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in August 2007. The MRF enables the centre to collect and sort all of its clean recyclable waste on site before it is sent to specialist companies for recycling.
• rainwater harvesting. Water collected on the shopping centre's roofs is now used to both clean the shopping centre and run the fountains.
• the installation of photo-sensitive lights and more efficient boilers to cut electricity use by 10 per cent and gas use by almost 15 per cent.

In the nomination, Ms Stewart said: "The Festival Place team is now sharing its learning curve with other shopping centres and is engaging all retailers on the benefits of recycling for reuse."

So far, nominations have been received from schools, businesses, individuals and family groups.

Winners will scoop a selection of eco-prizes, including a tree to plant as a permanent reminder of their success, and the chance to select a green charity to receive a cash donation from Southern Electric.

A special awards dinner will also take place at BCOT's Robert Newman Restaurant at the end of April, where the winners will receive their prizes and be honoured for their green achievements.

To enter the awards, write in, in no more than 250 words, explaining why you or your nominee is a Green Watch Hero in Basingstoke and Deane, and the achievements for which recognition should be given.

Entries need to be sent to Green Watch reporter Eleanor Stride. You can e-mail eleanor.stride@basingstokegazette.co.uk or send entries by post to Eleanor Stride, Gazette Newspapers, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YD. Please include your name and a daytime contact telephone number.

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 7.

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