Phoenix Energy has announced an exciting new partnership with leading local environmental charity, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) that will see 8,000 native trees planted in communities and wooded areas across NI in the coming year.
Demonstrating its commitment beyond environmental action, the partnership will also see a series of environmental education online sessions rolled out to provide knowledge on the value of native species and to encourage children and families to get involved in tree planting, biodiversity enhancement and conservation activities in their local community.
The partnership is the latest announcement from Phoenix Energy on its climate action programme, having recently confirmed its support for a new research project, led by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), on harnessing biomethane from agricultural waste for injection to the natural gas infrastructure and in turn delivering a renewable home heating solution for gas consumers.
Speaking about the conservation partnership, Michael McKinstry, Chief Executive at Phoenix Energy said: “Environmental responsibility has always been a core attribute of how we do business, not least through the carbon savings that consumers can make by switching to gas. We as an industry are fully engaged in developing the solutions which can further enhance the green credentials of the gas consumers use to heat their homes, now and into the future, and in doing so play a key role in delivery of net-zero targets for home heating.
“Through our partnership with The Conservation Volunteers we will be enhancing local green spaces by providing communities with trees to plant in their local areas and enabling more people to get active and involved in the environment around them.
“With more of us spending an increasing amount of time in our local communities, investing in green spaces has never been more important for wellbeing and physical activity in addition to climate action and we’re proud to partner with The Conservation Volunteers to deliver this multi-stranded conservation programme which we hope to see grow year by year.”
A relentless focus on improving and preserving the environment is at the heart of the vision for The Conservation Volunteers. Speaking about the new partnership with Phoenix Energy, Debbie Adams, Regional Director at The Conservation Volunteers said: “Tree planting is seen as one of the biggest and affordable ways of taking CO2, out of the atmosphere and helping to tackle the climate crisis. With Northern Ireland being the least wooded area in the UK we are delighted to welcome the support from Phoenix Energy to help increase our tree coverage.
“The planting of native trees helps protect our environment and is essential for the development of habitats and sustainability of many species such as wildlife, birds and insects which are essential for a healthy woodland ecosystem.
There are also multiple mental and physical health benefits to surrounding ourselves with trees and nature which have been linked to reducing stress and anxiety. We’re encouraging individuals, local gardening groups and schools to get involved and contact us if we can help them to create new green spaces in their communities as a result of this exciting partnership.”
The tree planting partnership kicked off with the plating of a number of trees at the Tullybrannigan and Kinghill Community Orchard.
Environmental Responsibility is a core element of the Phoenix Energy Responsible Business Programme, full details of which can be found at: www.phoenixnaturalgas.com/abou...
Launching the new environmental partnership are Dianne Keys, Operations Leader, The Conservation Volunteers, Michael McKinstry, Chief Executive, Phoenix Energy, Debbie Adams, NI & Scotland Regional Director, The Conservation Volunteers and Sissy Borchert, Volunteer, The Conservation Volunteers.