Manchester Arndale becomes green ambassador

Manchester Arndale has become the first major shopping centre to be awarded the Environmental Business Pledge.

And now businesses in the centre have agreed to become ambassadors for the Environmental Business Pledge. The Pledge is a free advice and award scheme from Manchester City Council and environmental consultants Groundwork, who help businesses reduce their environmental footprint.

All 240 businesses in the shopping centre, whose waste is managed by Manchester Arndale management company, have met the criteria for the bronze level of the award, with many of them already undertaking recycling and energy reducing measures which will help them achieve silver and gold.

Manchester Arndale has also agreed to promote the Environmental Business Pledge to its clients, suppliers and customers. They are helping the council encourage businesses to progress through the award scheme by publishing the information on their intranet - the internal website that helps their tenants keep up to date with the latest initiatives.

Councillor Eddy Newman, Manchester City Council's executive member for neighbourhood services, said: "This is a great example of how partnership working between the council and the business community can achieve real results to help the environment. By including all 240 businesses in the Manchester Arndale in the scheme, it will really encourage other businesses in Manchester to get involved and promote the Environmental Business Pledge. Then we can start to make significant reductions in waste and energy use.

"Well done to the Manchester Arndale and welcome on board!"

Karl Clawley, Karl Clawley, Retail Business Manager of Manchester Arndale, said: "As Manchester's flagship shopping centre the Manchester Arndale is delighted to be the first large centre to be fully accredited an Environmental Business Pledge award. We are committed to managing our waste in a responsible way, and are keen to set an example and encourage other Manchester businesses join this free scheme. As consumers become increasingly aware of the need for businesses and individuals to reduce their impact on the environment, our customers will be pleased that Manchester Arndale is part of the Environmental Business Pledge."

The Environmental Business Pledge has recently benefited from a re-branding exercise with an eye-catching new quality mark that will become increasingly familiar around Manchester. All award holders will receive award certificates and stickers and have their company name published on the city council website, enabling customers to make an informed choice about where to shop. Look out for the big green "e" sculpture coming soon to the Manchester Arndale.

About Challenge Manchester

Manchester City Council launched Challenge Manchester - 100 Days to a cleaner, greener city 2008 on February 14 2008 at Manchester Town Hall.

The campaign will run until 24 May 2008, featuring 100 days of intense activity all over Manchester with the first 50 days focussing on green issues - primarily waste minimisation, recycling and climate change - and the next 50 days focussing on community clean-ups, local environmental improvements and planting schemes.

The council will also be asking residents and businesses about what they want the council to do to help them minimise waste and recycle more.

Media contact:

Conrad Astley, tel 0161 234 4027