Green since 1992
Take a look at how the Society maintains a keen interest and has actively supported the environment since 1992:
- N&P signed up under the Government's Making a Corporate Commitment (MACC) campaign on energy management.
- N&P launched an energy rating survey that could save homeowners' money and make homes more environmentally-friendly.
- N&P launched first green mortgage for brand new properties.
- Homebuyer in Lincolnshire became first person in UK to have a green mortgage.
- N&P launched the green mortgage for "second hand" properties.
- Cambridgeshire self-builder became first person in UK to have an individual home built using a green mortgage.
- N&P was the first organisation to obtain accreditation under Peterborough Environment City Trust's (PECT) Environmental Management Scheme.
- N&P introduces green 'further advances' - loans for mortgage customers to improve energy-saving in their homes.
- N&P became the first mortgage lender (in the world we believe!) to offer a 'carbon neutral®' mortgage - thanks to its joining forces with environmental group Future Forests.
- Society sponsored construction and installation of a seat on Peterborough's 'Green Wheel'.
- Society's current Environmental Policy received board approval and an annual set of objectives was introduced.
- Saplings planted in the first N&P forest - the first trees were planted in Lincolnshire to "offset" harmful emissions from homes - for customers who had taken out an N&P "carbon neutral®" Mortgage. N&P now has three forests - all in Lincolnshire.
- N&P won one of Britain's top environmental accolades as National Gold winner in the Green Apple Awards for environmental best practice.
- Future Forests (now the CarbonNeutral Company) presented N&P with a certificate to mark 6.5 hectares of trees being planted on behalf of N&P's "Green" mortgage customers - that's enough to cover 13 football pitches!
- N&P signed up to the Government's new MACC II (Making a Corporate Commitment) campaign.
- 2001 & 2003 - N&P secured annual contracts for the provision of electricity supplies to its Principal Office from green (renewable) sources.
- N&P launched a campaign to encourage people to build homes in new, more environmentally-conscious and sustainable ways.
- Lamp recycling introduced to N&P's main office in Peterborough.
- N&P first supported Peterborough Environment Week with a range of incentives for staff to travel to work by foot, bike or public transport, increase recycling, free energy efficient light bulbs for customers etc.
- N&P supports Energy Efficiency Week and National Tree Week with surveys to raise awareness amongst consumers and energy-saving tips.
- N&P launched the first in an annual competition for home-owners who have undertaken a "self-build" that is kinder to the environment.
- N&P successfully retained accreditation under PECT's (Peterborough Environment City Trust) Environmental Management Scheme.
- Toner cartridge recycling within N&P peaked at over 360 units per annum raising over £700 in 2003 towards charities.
- First year to see a positive downward movement in consumption across whole of N&P for all gas, water and electricity services.
- CRed (Carbon Reduction) gave N&P its Merit Award - the first to a business and the first to a building society! The award was in recognition of the extensive energy saving and waste reduction measures undertaken by the Society over a period of eight years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Formal travel plan for staff launched across N&P.
- Lamp recycling introduced across N&P branch network.
- N&P won regional implementation award for its travel plan.
- Visit made from the minister Elliot Morley MP to look at N&P's environmental management practices.
- Energy awareness day held at Lynch Wood for staff involvement.
- Additional cyclist facilities made available at Lynch Wood Head Office including cycle shelter and showers.
- N&P was 'highly commended' in the National Energy Awards through UKCEED and The Independent newspaper.
- N&P becomes "carbon neutral".
- N&P awarded the 'Travel Plan Award' in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Travel Plan Excellence Awards.
