Lambeth scoops two major environmental awards

There was success for Lambeth at two major environmental awards in November.

For the second year running Lambeth won the coveted London boroughs’ Green Champion Award for Environmental Best Practice – our third Green Apple Award. The council was also awarded a second place in The Mayor’s Green Procurement Code Awards 2005.

Judges singled out the council’s work on renewable energy, sustainable construction and procurement for particular praise.

Lambeth has the most diverse range of solar installations in London, including solar hot water heating and solar PV projects generating electricity.

For example, the integrated solar roofs installed at Langholm Close in Clapham Park, generate 21 kw of clean electricity each year – about enough for 6 households. They also save 8 tonnes of CO2 each year – more than that produced by 23 average UK residents.

Lambeth Housing’s initiatives on sustainable construction have seen considerable success. Ten high-rise blocks on Kennington’s Ethelred Estate have been re-roofed using sedum plant materials.

This is the largest green roofing refurbishment in the country and the environmental benefits include improved insulation and air quality. Residents are also excited about the possibility of some bird species making increased use the area.

Lambeth’s success at the Mayor’s Green Procurement Code Awards 2005 came in the category of ‘Best performing Public Sector Organisation’. The council was praised for its spend on recycled product, which has more than doubled over the last year.

The council’s eProcurement Project ensures that all purchasing is done electronically and only through preferred suppliers. This ensures that environmental policies are implemented. Only 100% post-consumer recycled paper, remanufactured toner cartridges and Fairtrade tea and coffee may be purchased.