Together with their partner The Conservation Volunteers, Phoenix Energy have smashed their annual target for planting indigenous trees locally. Since the partnership began, Phoenix and TCV have planted a total of 24,000 trees. Last week, Phoenix Energy Chief Executive, Kailash Chada, alongside Phoenix colleagues and Colin Wildlife Group worked to plant native tree species including Rowan, Hazel, Willow and Birch in Old Colin Wood.
Beyond its commitment to enhancing our natural environment, the partnership also saw a series of environmental education sessions rolled out within local primary schools to provide young people with a knowledge of how to take positive climate action. The series, which teaches children how to become ‘Planet Protectors’, also encouraged them to get involved in tree planting, biodiversity enhancement and conservation activities in their local community.
Speaking about the partnership, Kailash Chada, Chief Executive at Phoenix Energy said: “Environmental Responsibility is a core attribute of how we do business, not least through the carbon savings that consumers can make by switching from oil to natural gas. We as an industry are fully engaged in developing the renewable gas solutions which will undoubtedly play a key role in the delivery of net-zero targets for home heating.
“Through our partnership with The Conservation Volunteers we have been able to enhance 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. It is extra special to see our own employees relentlessly give their time and join forces with community volunteers to ensure that our annual tree planting targets are met.
Dianne Keys, Operations Leader at The Conservation Volunteers added: “Tree planting is seen as one of the biggest and most 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, and indeed Europe, we are delighted with the ongoing support we have received from Phoenix Energy to help increase our tree coverage and engage with more community groups.”
Environmental Responsibility is a core element of the Phoenix Energy Responsible Business Programme, full details of which can be found at: https://phoenixenergyni.com/inclusive-service/our-commitment-to-the-communities-we-serve