Norfolk-based companies tackling climate change

Several Norfolk firms are making an effort to cut down on their environmental impact, a new report highlights.

The Norwich Evening News has questioned a variety of local businesses as to the measures they are taking to cut their carbon emissions.

Insurance firm Norwich Union was one of the businesses asked by the publication, as well as May Gurney, a construction company, Lotus car manufacturers and Kettle Foods caterers, which have all made significant changes to their processes in order to reduce CO2.

For example, Norwich Union uses energy efficient light bulbs, efficient gas boilers and employs a waste reduction programme. Kettle Foods has reduced its energy use by ten per cent three years before it was supposed to as set out in the Climate Change Levy agreement.

Furthermore, Lotus has worked to develop fuel efficient engines and May Gurney has created a group of environment champions who encourage colleagues to switch off electrical devices and recycle paper.

Years of persistence from local businesses can make a big difference, according to Green Party campaigner Adrian Ramsay, who said: "We need businesses to be reusing and repairing goods more and we need far more emphasis on using locally produced goods to cut down on emissions from transportation of ingredients and final products."

Elsewhere in the county, Ardon Grove Infant and Nursery School in Hellesdon has received the Eco-Schools Green Flag award.