Taking the lead on changing attitudes

Jun 10 2008 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

SO what part do local authorities and industry have to play in changing perceptions on climate change?

Manufacturer 3M, which has offices in Newton Aycliffe and employs about 400 people locally, has a strong environmental policy.

The company took both the Tees Valley and regional environment crown at the North East Business Awards 2006.

Martyn Harvey, environmental, health and safety co-ordinator, said: “We’ve been working on environmental issues for seven years - with the management team plus holding events within the workforce. “We have passionate people in key positions and as a company we have set environmental targets.”

He said messages conveyed in the workplace were reaping rewards at work and home.

“We had a member of staff who came up with an energy saving idea in the workplace,” he said, “but that person was also aware of grants available for cavity wall insulation for the home because of information found out here.”

Two per cent of carbon dioxide emissions in Stockton borough come from council operations.

Mike Chicken, the council’s environmental project manager, said: “We do have an environmental responsibility - fossil fuels as a resource will run out and we have to think about other opportunities.

“People are often looking for a reason not to take part. As a local authority we have a big responsibility for communications.” The construction sector is one area where improvements will have to be made sooner rather than later.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: “The biggest single source of carbon emission is our homes - producing 40%. “By 2016 all new homes will have to be 100% more efficient than just three years ago, which could put 25-45% on the price.”

But Stan Higgins from NEPIC added while regulation ensured environmental change in the workplace - replicating that ethos at home is difficult.

He said the Health and Safety Act of 1974 had brought about big changes in the workplace, but in the last 30 years that hadn’t translated to how we operate at home.