In March we set up a network of volunteer Resident Sustainability Champions, to help us communicate with residents during the delivery of our sustainability initiatives.
Our champions are residents who have a passion for promoting the green agenda, especially wanting to contribute to the reduction on carbon emissions.
They are helping by inputting residents’ views on the design of our projects, communications campaigns, policies, and procedures. Our current champions have already helped with our campaigns on energy, water, and carbon handprint, as well as helped shape our Biodiversity Pathway document.
Let’s meet our champions and find out what they have to say on sustainability.
Paul
“Sustainability is important as we need to try and stop the damage being done to the beautiful wildlife in our world. We have become a throw away society and if we keep this up, sooner or later, we’ll all suffer for it.
“I have the pleasure of living in a beautiful village for the last 55 years and seeing all the damage climate change is doing to it, such as flooding on a regular basis.”
Melanie
“I’ve committed to being a Sustainability Champion because I’m very passionate about environmental issues, reducing waste and using our green spaces effectively.
“I enjoy volunteering as it gives me the opportunity to give back to my community and to make a difference in the wider society. For the past 14 years, I’ve been an involved resident in the housing sector, and I’m currently a Resident Ambassador for Southern Housing.”
Elena
“Sustainability is a big part of my life as I've worked as a sustainability consultant and am currently studying for an MSc in Environmental, Social and Governance Management.
“Our family tries to align our lifestyle with a sustainable level of consumption, therefore few Christmas presents (mostly books), clothes bought from Vinted, a low-meat diet, walking and cycling instead of driving, and as little new purchases as possible.
“I also volunteer for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s project on surveying and restoring seagrass meadows in the Solent.”
Eliza
“Sustainability and biodiversity are very important to me and that's why I wanted to become a Resident Sustainability Champion.
“I volunteer at the Atrium Gardens in Streatham, it may not be large, but it offers big benefits to the local community, such as:
- Carbon-free salad, herbs, fruit, and plants raised on site
- A tranquil space to prepare for, or recover from, a blood test or other clinic visit
- Regular gardening sessions - folk are welcome to help or ask the team gardening queries”