Our sustainability credentials have been formally recognised as we have won the Sustainable Business Award for the medium business category at the 2009-10 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Partnership Awards.

Presented by Dr Tony Kindle, Eden Project Foundation Director, at a gala ceremony held at the De Vere Harbour hotel, Southampton, the award recognises our achievements for addressing environmental, economic and social impacts whilst incorporating sustainable business practices.

The judges, all sustainability experts, were impressed with our wide ranging sustainable techniques, including the introduction of a carbon reduction strategy which has led to us successfully reducing our electrical usage and introducing low energy lighting throughout the park. We have also increased our recycling by an impressive 88% and introduced a bus service which brings visitors to the park from Eastleigh for free during the summer.

Our work reaches further than the zoological park, extending to Africa. As well as reintroducing species to their native habitat, the judges learnt how we work with local people in Tunisia and Kenya and help them manage their own environment. We also provide teaching materials for local teachers to educate and engage school children about their local biodiversity.

Marwell Wildlife Conservation Director, Dr Tim Woodfine said: “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all Marwell employees. Issues concerning sustainability have a far reaching effect on the biodiversity of the planet, and a key priority for Marwell Wildlife is improving environmental performance and showcasing the challenges that affect our planet’s biodiversity.”

We were highly commended in the same category in the 2008 awards, and earlier this year won the Green Innovation Award at the 2010 Winchester Business Excellence Awards. We were also a finalist for the Business of the Year Award, plus the Rural Business of the Year Award.

Marwell staff regularly speak at local business events demonstrating how solutions found at Marwell are applicable to a wide range of organisations. Businesses interested in learning about how to incorporate sustainable business methods please contact Duncan East, Marwell’s Sustainability  Manager on 01962 777957 or email duncane@marwell.org.uk

Photo above: Duncan East, Sustainability Manager and Marwell’s Conservation Director, Dr Tim Woodfine,with the medium business award trophy, showcasing a zebra in front of Marwell’s herd of Grevy’s zebra.

21 May 2010