N&P’s dreaming of a green 2007

On 1st January 2007, Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) will become the first building society to be “carbon neutral” and achieve the CarbonNeutral quality mark. The Society, which has won awards for its environmental activities, is based in Peterborough. The city was designated as one of four UK “environment cities” in 1992.

Since 1992 the Society has had a keen interest in promoting environmental issues – highlights being the 1998 launch of N&P’s first “green” mortgage and in 2000, the world’s first “Carbon Neutral” mortgage (Details on npbs.co.uk/mortgages).

Matthew Bullock, chief executive for N&P, said: “We subscribe to the view that doing nothing is not an option and that we need, in our working lives and at home with our families, to make an effort to reduce emissions which cause climate change. We are examining every aspect of our business and will make changes to reduce our carbon footprint and help our staff and members to do the same.

“The Chancellor’s pre-budget statement re zero carbon homes was a positive step. Housing contributes more emissions to global warming than cars. That’s why we try to raise awareness of how homes can be made more energy efficient and what improvements builders and developers should be introducing. We also hope that all businesses are doing what we are right now – looking hard at what could be changed, reduced, recycled or improved to benefit the environment.”

N&P is working with The CarbonNeutral Company to reduce and offset its emissions, initially over the next three years. To offset unavoidable emissions, the Society will use UK forestry and climate-friendly technology in other countries. This means that for every 1 tonne of CO2 the Society produces, 1 tonne will be saved.

The biggest areas to be reduced and offset will be:

Annual business mileage - 1.32 million miles
Electricity consumption - 3.2 million kwh
Gas consumption - 0.77 million kwh
Waste - 180 tonnes per annum from N&P's offices and branch network disposed of securely

On N&P’s website npbs.co.uk a carbon emissions calculator, provided by The CarbonNeutral Company, will enable customers and staff to calculate their own CO2 emissions and, if they wish, to offset.

Jonathan Shopley, CEO of The CarbonNeutral Company, said: “We are delighted that N&P is going Carbon Neutral. The Society has offered green mortgages since 1998 and has worked hard to get its carbon emissions down. It is now extending its positive action at the corporate level and involving its customers. That’s a great move.”

N&P is also working with the Energy Saving Trust to encourage customers and staff to contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512012 or by visiting their website energysavingtrust.org.uk to get free, impartial advice on energy saving ideas, suppliers of energy saving products and renewable energy options.

Ashley Baxter, Director of the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre Anglia, said: “We are delighted to be working with N&P to help its customers and staff learn more about how to reduce the energy they use every day. Almost half of carbon emissions come from things we do every day such as leaving appliances on standby and using the car for short journeys, so it is important that we all try to do our bit to save energy.

“As well as cutting down on carbon emissions, householders can save up to £300 a year on their energy bills by doing things such as switching to energy efficient lightbulbs and insulating their cavity walls and lofts. If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can become more energy efficient or would like to carry out a free home energy check, contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre Anglia on 0800 512 012 or visit energysavingtrust.org.uk.”