The Castle is excited to announce the launch of its Environmental Awards Scheme!

Over the past few months, while lots of hard work has been going into making the Castle a greener, more sustainable centre, we’ve been saving a few pennies to enable our friends and customers to do the same for the planet (or at least their little bit of it). Since the Chancellor dropped the VAT rate from 1 December 2008 we’ve been saving the spare 2.5% to put toward a worthwhile cause.  Inspired by Patagonia’s employee internship programme, we decided to launch our own Environmental Awards Scheme. In so doing, we hope to encourage those people closely involved with the Castle (customers, staff, etc.) to apply for an award to help start, continue or complete worthy environmental projects.

There are a number of awards available, ranging from small awards of up to £750 through to larger awards of up to £6000!

The stated purpose of these awards is to provide funding for individuals or small groups to undertake projects that aim to better the environment, reduce the impact of communities on the environment, and foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues in both local communities and the wider public. The Castle will consider any application in line the these aims, and we are particularly interested in projects that tackle the root-causes of environmental problems; aim at sustainable long-term change; build/promote public involvement; have clearly defined, measurable objectives; are action-oriented and involve a holistic, strategic approach.

If you think you have a worthwhile project (however big or small) and you’re eligible to enter the competition for the awards (see ‘Notes for Applicants’), then please download an application pack. The first application deadline will be the 31^st of July. Selection will be made by a Panel of Castle staff with final selection involving input from Castle customers too.

 E0 Environmental Awards Notes for Applicants.pdf (101.74 KB)

 E1 Environmental Award Application Form.doc (97.00 KB)