Fire service wins ‘Green Award’

Liz Bonnin; Rebecca Hill, International Marketing Director, National Geographic Magazine; County Fire Officer and Chief Executive Steve McGuirk, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service; Tracey Rawling-Church, Director of Brand and Reputation at Kyocera

Caring for the environment has earned Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service a top environmental industry award – winning the Public Sector category for ‘the national public sector organisation whose work has helped advance more sustainable living.’

The People and Environment Achievement, known as the PEA awards, are open to individuals or groups who have made a difference in the community, or shown inspiration, innovation and perseverance in their various sectors.

A plea went out from the organisers for members of the public to identify and nominate the country’s ‘green giants’. Those nominated were then asked to provide evidence of their green credentials including future projects.

County Fire Officer and Chief Executive Steve McGuirk said: “I have received this award on behalf of the Service - we are delighted to have won this award and to have our efforts recognised in this way.

"Locally, we have built green issues into our business plans and are involved in many projects on a daily basis to try to save energy and preserve the environment, such as fitting fire stations with solar heating, using fuel efficient fire engines made of recyclable materials and encouraging our staff to take part in a cycle to work scheme.

“Regionally we have set up and chair a North West Network to work with other organisations on projects that promote green behaviour, developed a champion’s handbook and recruited 150 environmental champion volunteers.”