Benenden praised for green approach
Benenden recognised with award for sending none of its waste to landfill in 2015
The school has received an ACM Environmental Greener Path Award for achieving ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ in 2015 and been praised for ‘exceptional environmental performance’. Only seven schools in the UK received the accolade.
The award acknowledges that during 2015 none of the waste produced by the school was sent to landfill and more sustainable methods were used to recover and reuse it.
Benenden uses dry mix compactors to recycle paper, plastic and tin. Waste that cannot be recycled is bailed and sent overseas where it is reused. Wood is recycled in a wood skip and recycling bins are used for clothes and glass.
Benenden School Headmistress, Samantha Price, said: “Sending waste to landfill creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Diverting waste from landfill therefore greatly reduces its environmental impact.
“As a leading educational institution we take our environmental and social responsibilities very seriously so I am delighted we have been honoured in this way. It shows our commitment to preserving the environment for the girls we teach and their children, grandchildren and many future generations.”
Andy Jacobs, Chief Executive of ACM Environmental, added: “We are delighted that Benenden School is a recipient of the Zero Waste to Landfill Award. We have worked in partnership with them to help implement an environmentally-sound waste management strategy and to see them achieve such impressive landfill diversion results is extremely gratifying.’
