Sustainability day a ‘success’

Around 250 guests and members of the public attended Alumet's Sustainability Open Day in Southam, Warwickshire, on June 4.

On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, the specialist construction facade company's car park was transformed into a sustainability market with 23 stalls displaying the latest in renewable technologies and a range of local organic produce. The afternoon also consisted of seminars and interactive educational games all aimed at increasing environmental awareness.

Legendary TV botanist Dr David Bellamy OBE officially opened Alumet's new 'Green Vision' garden; an area of wasteland that was recently nothing more than a dumping ground has now been transformed to a genuine wildlife garden complete with a pond, insect stack, butterfly box, wormery and various bat, bird and bumble bee boxes. Dr Bellamy was present for the whole afternoon and as well as visiting every stall, spent time in the garden answering questions on the various plants and wildlife present. He conducted the watching staff and guests in a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to the Garden's ash tree before unveiling the commemorative plaque.

The afternoon began with a speech from Alumet director Dean Walton who thanked everyone for attending and outlined the company's vision for the future, Mr Walton then introduced Councillor Bertie MacKay (chairman of Warwick District Council) who praised the company on its sustainable values and presented the ISO14001 certificate to Alumet's environmental manager Lee Summers.

David Bellamy then explained how he had started his working life in the construction industry before presenting the coveted Green Apple award to managing director Gary Summers, insisting that the watching crowd shouted 'WOW' in celebration! Mr Summers then brought the formal part of the proceedings to a close by stating that "the garden has been constructed for every member of staff to enjoy, it will provide the perfect environment for the factory staff to spend their lunch break away from their machines and the office staff to have a break from their computer screens, I hope the garden will provide the focal point to provide better unity between all departments within the company."

Chairman of Stratford-On-Avon District Council Sir William Lawrence Bt, Lady Tamara Lawrence, Deputy Major of Southam Councillor Andy Crump and Lord & Lady Kilmaine also attended the event.

www.alumet.co.u