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The 1000th Certificate
In May 2011 the Cafe Van project reached an important milestone: the awarding of its 1000th Certificate of Environmental Awareness.
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This represents an amazing level of success for a project that was originally planned to award only 120 certificates in all.
The certificate was awarded to Jamie Dolling, a site supervisor for specialist services contractor Michael J Lonsdale, by Alderman Michael Bear, the Lord Mayor of London.
Read the press release below.
LORD MAYOR OF LONDON COMMENDS INNOVATIVE SCHEME TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
LONDON, 18 MAY 2011: The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Bear, is today taking part in an awards ceremony to mark the success of a programme promoting sustainable practice on the city’s construction sites.
The certification scheme is run by Andrew Pears, founder of the innovative Kotuku Café Van programme. This programme takes Andrew to building sites across London where he provides a tea break with a difference - a half hour session for workers on practical sustainable resource management in the construction industry. Builders who successfully complete the training are awarded with a certificate to demonstrate their environmental awareness.
The Lord Mayor is today presenting the 1000th certificate – a victory for Andrew Pears who had initially only planned to award 120 certificates in total. The presentation takes place at the site of asset management firm BlackRock’s new London headquarters at Drapers Gardens, a project managed by Mace. It will be awarded to Jamie Dolling, a site supervisor for specialist services contractor Michael J Lonsdale.
Michael Hoodless, Director of Michael J Lonsdale, said: “Much of the good work that goes on in the construction industry goes unheralded. Acknowledging initiatives and good practices like these are essential in stimulating greater awareness amongst the workforce of M J Lonsdale, as well as those of the companies we work with.”
Andrew Pears, founder and project manager of the Café Van said: “The Kotuku Café Van has had great success with both small and large contractors, proving that there is a universal appetite for practical sustainability training. Corporations are also becoming more aware of their responsibilities as construction clients and it’s great to see companies like BlackRock actively engaging with sustainability onsite. The next step is to encourage more clients to write environmental training clauses into contracts and, in so doing, entrench sustainable behaviour.”
The Lord Mayor of London said: “It is vital the industry leads the way to tackle waste and improve sustainability. And everyone’s contribution is essential – from workers on the ground, to project directors. This is why Kotuku, and its Café Van project, is providing such an important service. Café Van raises awareness of environmental issues, specifically targeted at the construction industry. And it showcases best practice, which will inspire others to see where changes can be made. The awarding of Café Van’s 1000th certificate marks an important milestone. I am so encouraged to know that the excellent work being done by the construction industry is being recognized in this way.”
John Hanley Director of Health Safety and Environment for Mace, said: “Mace always makes the most of the skills of employees working on our projects, importantly in the area of Health and Safety, but also and not least in delivering sustainable projects to our clients. We welcome the Cafe Van's approach to engaging the site workforce.”
ENDS
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