Marwell Wildlife Wins Award For Sustainable Business

21 May 2010

Marwell Wildlife’s sustainability credentials were recognised at a prestigious ceremony (20 April), as the conservation charity won the Sustainable Business Award for the medium business category at the 2009-10 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Partnership Awards.

Presented by Dr Tony Kindle, Eden Project Foundation Director, at a gala ceremony held at the De Vere Harbour hotel, Southampton, the award recognises Marwell’s achievements for addressing environmental, economic and social impacts whilst incorporating sustainable business practices.

The judges, all sustainability experts, were impressed with Marwell’s wide ranging sustainable techniques, including the introduction of a carbon reduction strategy which has led to the charity successfully reducing its electrical usage and introducing low energy lighting throughout the park. It has also increased its recycling by an impressive 88% and introduced a bus service brings which visitors to the park from Eastleigh for free during the summer.

Marwell’s work reaches further than its zoological park in Hampshire, extending to Africa. As well as reintroducing species to their native habitat, the judges learnt how the conservation charity works with local people in Tunisia and Kenya and helps them manage their own environment. It also provides teaching materials for local teachers to educate and engage school children about their local biodiversity.

Marwell Wildlife Conservation Director, Dr Tim Woodfine said: “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of all Marwell employees. Issues concerning sustainability have a far reaching effect on the biodiversity of the planet, and a key priority for Marwell Wildlife is improving environmental performance and showcasing the challenges that affect our planet’s biodiversity.”

 Marwell Wildlife was highly commended in the same category in the 2008 awards, and earlier this year the charity won the Green Innovation Award at the 2010 Winchester Business Excellence Awards. It was also a finalist for the Business of the Year Award, plus the Rural Business of the Year Award.

 Marwell staff regularly speak at local business events demonstrating how solutions found at Marwell are applicable to a wide range of organisations. Businesses interested in learning about how to incorporate sustainable business methods please contact Duncan East, Marwell’s Sustainability  Manager on 01962 777957 or email duncane@marwell.org.uk

 Notes to editors

 Photo Caption: Marwell’s Conservation Director, Dr Tim Woodfine and Duncan East, Sustainability Manager, with the medium business award trophy, showcasing a zebra in front of Marwell’s herd of Grevy’s zebra.

 For further media information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Wildlife Media Relations Officer. Email:  helenj@marwell.org.uk Phone: 01962 777 947

 Formerly owned by the Marwell Preservation Trust Limited, Marwell Wildlife remains a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Registered Charity Number: 275433.

 The other nominees in the Green Innovation Winchester Business Excellence Awards were: Alresford Golf Club, LSLCo UK and No-Hills.

 Marwell Wildlife’s vision is: Living in balance with nature. The charity aims to share knowledge, engage people’s curiosity and encourage both their enjoyment of the present and responsibility for the future of our planet.

 In pursuit of this vision Marwell Wildlife aims to:

Conserve species and their habitats, locally and globally.
Further understanding and inspire care for the natural world.
Share knowledge including results from scientific studies.
Understand impacts and improve environmental performance.
Invest in individuals and communities 
 

Marwell Wildlife’s zoological park provides a great way for visitors to enjoy the wonders of nature close-up, while also involving them in Marwell’s efforts to conserve endangered species and habitats, both locally and internationally. By providing people with a rich and memorable experience, Marwell aims to inspire people to help secure a better future for endangered wildlife for generations to come.

Marwell Wildlife is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).  BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.