Peterborough achieves Zero Waste Places Standard

A consortium between the Department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra), Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Centre and Northampton University have awarded the accreditation to the city's centre – specifically relating to the Queensgate shopping centre, Cathedral Square, and the adjoining streets.

The area was made a Zero Waste Place in October 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story) and has already helped 120 businesses improve their waste management, diverted over 3,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, prevented 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions and saved over £20,000 since its launch.

And, the new Zero Waste Places Standard, announced by Hilary Benn in October 2009 (see letsrecycle.com story), provides further recognition for these efforts and is designed to provide something to work towards other than recycling targets. It also enables Peterborough to apply for up to £3,000 in grant funding towards its efforts – although this is from a limited pot.

Peterborough received praise for its achievements from Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn when he visited to hear about the project in September 2009. The project also earned a Green Apple award for environmental excellence.

Helen Bird, of the BREW Centre for Local Authorities, said: “The original Zero Waste Places scheme aimed to trial innovation in waste management to establish what activities we should be asking all UK cities to undertake.

“The accreditation recognises the achievements of cities like Peterborough and denotes a marker in the sand for best practice for which all our cities should be aiming.”

Assessment

The process for achieving accreditation involves assessment by an expert panel led by Northampton University.

Hugh Cripps, chief executive of Peterborough Environment City Trust, the environmental charity behind the project, said he was delighted that the city's green credentials have been put in the spotlight.

He said: “In Peterborough the environment is our key priority. Our original Zero Waste Places project achieved some fantastic results and identified some key activities that could be replicated elsewhere in the country.

“I am delighted that Peterborough is the first city to receive the Zero Waste accreditation. This will certainly help reinforce our growing reputation as the UK's environment Capital.”