Green pledge to save the environment

ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly . . . back from left, Oldham Council’s Mark Husdan, Christopher Price (FCHO) Hugh Broadbent (FCHO chief executive) Philip Stott (FCHO) and Dan Melrose (Energy Saving Trust). Front, Harry Burns (FCHO chairman)

HOUSING bosses in Oldham are looking to go greener after committing to an environmental policy.

First Choice Homes Oldham chairman Harry Burns and chief executive Hugh Broadbent have signed pledges at the organisation’s Medtia Square headquarters.

And all staff members have been invited to commit by signing individual pledge cards.

Mr Broadbent said: “The company recognises that it is part of the local community and its activities have an impact on the environment, probably the most important issue facing the world today.

“Through this recognition First Choice Homes Oldham is committed to the continual improvement of its environmental impacts and pollution prevention.”

To become more eco-friendly, FCHO will implement an environmental management system and review it annually to ensure its effectiveness.

Environmental objectives and targets will also be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, environmental information and training will be given to staff and procurement methods will be improved through the use of local suppliers, sustainable and or recycled materials and the selection of contractors with green credentials.

Repairs and improvements to homes and the management of estates will be tailored to ensure they are cleaner and greener.

Staff will be encouraged to use resources more efficiently, such as transport, and customers will also be encouraged to be more energy efficient.

FCHO is a not-for-profit partnership between councillors, tenants and independent volunteers, responsible for managing 12,000 council properties and employing 530 staff.