We've just had our second visit from MERCi's Sustaining Change team as part of our ongoing commitment to minimise our environmental impact and increase the sustainability of Kindling.
Last year we began the audit process looking at our activities in eight areas: Food and Drink; Purchasing and Procurement; Energy and Water; Travel; Buildings and Local Neighbourhood; Inclusion and Participation; Partnership and Promotion; and Waste.
At our first meeting, over an hour, MERCi staff talked to us about our work and aspirations, offered suggestions for improvement and took away information and evidence. A report was then written with recommendations and ideas for improvement: suggestions under each of the eight headings, which we have largely completed over the last few months.
In fact we believe we are pretty 'environmentally-friendly', so the Sustaining Change team were really stretched to offer steps to help with our continual improvement, but they came up with some great ideas and we have become more sustainable as a result. A fresh perspective and the expertise Sustaining Change have offered has really made a difference.
We now await MERCi's decision. Do we merit a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Sustaining Change accolade? – either way we look forward to continuing this process and becoming greener!
For more information about MERCi & Sustaining Change please visit: http://www.merci.org.uk/drupal/sustainingchange
If your organisation is interested in participating in the Sustaining Change audit contact Claire at MERCi on 0161 273 1736.