Cheshire Constabulary wins environmental award

Chief Constable Simon Byrne, centre, congratulates facilities manager Karen Wickstead, left, and head of facilities Emma Marvell, right.

Cheshire Constabulary′s facilities management team were honoured with the Sustainability and Environmental Impact award at the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Awards 2014.

The accolade recognised the Constabulary′s efforts to deliver sustainable and environmental initiatives in its day-to-day business. They picked up the award at a ceremony in London last night (Monday).

The awards showcase exceptional and inspirational facilities management and are the pinnacle of excellence in facilities management.

Cheshire Constabulary′s submission included a case study about a project undertaken to reduce costs when disposing of cannabis plants and other waste materials seized from cannabis farms.

This disposal process was costing the Force around £36,000 per year, but new ways of working have reduced costs to almost zero with some income being generated from recycled materials.

The new processes have removed the use of contractors and seen the introduction of designated stations across the country for waste disposal. If introduced nationally, the solution could save the country more than £2m.

Cheshire Police′s Head of Facilities Emma Marvell said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have achieved national recognition at the highest level within the facilities management industry. This formally recognises the hard work of officers and staff.

“To win the award against blue chip companies, with our limited budget and resources is a testament to how hard our FM team work to promote environmental management and sustainability and proves the message has reached the whole organisation.”

The Constabulary has reduced its carbon footprint by 22% over the past five years, avoiding costs equivalent to £1.6m.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously so I′m delighted for our facilities team and for the Force as a whole.

“This is not just a first for Cheshire Constabulary but for the police service too. We are all tremendously proud of this achievement.”