Emerald Project Champion
09/10/2007
An interview with Rob Clark, Technical Coordinator based at Jubilee House.
What made you volunteer for the role of environmental champion for Jubilee House?
Seeing wastage around the building was one reason.
What’s it all about?
As I see it, helping to make staff aware of what can be done to protect or improve the environment and (attempting to) enable them to do it.
What does being “green” mean to you?
With being a self-confessed “petrol head” - trying to achieve a balance.
What will be the first few things that you implement at Jubilee house to enable us to be more environmentally friendly?
Ban 4x4’s. No, I’m joking. Get us a compost bin and investigate whether we can get some recycle bins along the lines of NWLDC collection arrangements. Bigger and better things to come though (I hope).
Why do you think EMH can make a difference by implementing some of your suggestions?
Every little helps (as Tesco’s say).
What is EMH doing to make its new homes more eco friendly?
Most of the environmental measures we take on new buildings are already dictated by the government and “enforced” through funding and regulation. Having said that, we do still try to better minimum standards wherever possible - I think we’re approaching the stage where bigger gains could be made by making sure our residents can actually understand what the technology is and how to make the best use of it (firstly understanding it ourselves, of course).
What is your top tip for saving energy?
Mow the lawn less often is my personal favourite.
At work, even if you don’t switch your computer off when going out for half an hour or more; switch your monitor off.