Top green accolades for two Larne organisations

Larne Borough Council achieved platinum status, scoring over 90 per cent, in the 14th annual Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, while FG Wilson reached Quintile One level, achieving a scoring of over 80 per cent.

The survey, which is conducted by Business in the Community’s ARENA Network, analyses the corporate environmental management and performance of companies across the province.

Of the top 200 companies invited to participate, 129 joined in this year and the average overall score increased from 68 per cent in 2011 to 71 per cent.

Paying tribute to all participants for their leadership and achievement, Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: “This year the ARENA Network Survey has produced a high average score with the top performing sectors being those that have the greatest potential to impact the environment. It shows that participants are taking appropriate measures in order to reduce their environmental impacts and improve their efficiency.

“The survey is an important measure for businesses and public sector organisations as they develop a stronger economy. ARENA Network continues every year in its efforts to encourage companies to take part in benchmarking and realise true business benefits. I commend all of the participants for their positive contribution to good environmental stewardship and their commitment to reducing environmental impacts and managing resources efficiently.”

Stepping down from Chair of ARENA Network after five years, Phoenix chief Peter Dixon added: “As Chair of ARENA Network, I’m delighted to have witnessed the continued commitment and leadership from Northern Ireland’s leading responsible businesses to the environmental agenda.

“For those companies who are already taking the environment seriously, I would encourage them to keep up their good work. For those not yet involved, I would urge them to get in touch with the ARENA Network team and discover the benefits for themselves.”

David Gavaghan, chief executive of Titanic Quarter has revealed as the new Chair of the ARENA Network at the event and Fleet Financial was announced as the survey’s new private sector sponsor for 2013.

Anyone interested in taking part next year can e-mail [email protected] at the ARENA Network. For more information, visit www.arenani.org.uk