Tackling water efficiency at train station

Translink environmental officer Breanainn Mullan, TIDY Northern Ireland Project Support Officer Nicola Murray and Ulsterbus Inspector Avril Connor launch this year's TIDY Translink Awards. Photo by
Press Eye Photography — Translink environmental officer Breanainn Mullan, TIDY Northern Ireland Project Support Officer Nicola Murray and Ulsterbus Inspector Avril Connor launch this year's TIDY Translink Awards. Photo by Press Eye Photography

The awards are designed to improve the environmental performance of Translink facilities throughout Northern Ireland and this year, the judges will pay particular attention to water efficiency measusres/.

The awards scheme, delivered by Translink in partnership with litter charity Tidy NI, assesses local bus and rail stations, depots and offices, recognising the efforts of Translink employees who go the extra mile to create a more attractive and sustainable bus and rail network.

Stations are rigorously assessed by Tidy NI to achieve a bronze, silver, gold or platinum award standard.

Environmental performance assessment categories include general cleanliness, health and well-being, the Translink brand, facility enhancement, environment and community; resource management, and safety.

Last year, Carrickfergus Train Station achieved a platinum award and will be aiming to replicate this performance.

Translink group environmental manager Andy Bate said this year’s awards criteria have been developed to cover all the ways in which Translink employees improve the overall performance of their local facility.

He said: “These awards were first launched in 2007 when the focus was very much on keeping facilities clean, tidy and environmentally-friendly.

“Since then, they have evolved to encompass more assessment criteria covering environmental performance, safety, health and community matters, ultimately ensuring the long term sustainability of passenger transport facilities in Northern Ireland.

“This is an important part of our overall business approach in which we are committed to developing a culture of continuous environmental improvement and strive for long-term sustainability right across the company.

“This goal contributes to social and economic well being in local communities while protecting biodiversity and ensuring we operate as efficiently as possible.

“Attractive facilities benefit both our employees and customers, contributing to the growing numbers of people travelling with us.

“This year, we are asking our employees to particularly focus on resource management, especially water usage, and we also hope our passengers can support our efforts to provide attractive facilities in their area,” said Andy.