Developing green skills and services

Green skills are defined by Cedefop as “the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society” (Cedefop, 2012). 
It is imperative that we at Lancaster West operate as sustainably as possible, encouraging staff to adopt low carbon practices and ensuring that we undertake sustainable procurement to reduce the carbon emissions generated from our services and day to day operation. 

How will we do it?

  • Arrange training opportunities for colleagues to improve sustainability knowledge and practices, including monthly Lancaster West Sustainability Series​
  • Work with contractors to green our supply chain, by using recycled and sustainable materials and recycling our own waste ​
  • Explore ways to minimise waste through the refurbishment, such as through modern methods of construction​
  • Green our fleet of vehicles by using cargo bikes and electric vans ​
  • Seek out ways to green office space and practices at Baseline Studios

Progress so far

  • Worked with suppliers to reduce waste from the internal refurbishment programme, including recycling old appliances and flooring​
  • Started work on the Waste Management and Sustainable Materials strategies​
  • Sourced sustainable and recycled materials for refurbishment works ​
  • Secured £209,000 funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to improve the energy performance of Baseline Business Studios, the North Kensington Resource Centre and Lancaster West Estate Community Centre​
  • LWNT operatives now use cargo bikes and electric vans when delivering refurbishment and repairs jobs to reduce energy use and emissions​
  • Employed more local residents to the team, including through the LancWest Works scheme

Actions we will take

  • Install new windows and insulation to improve the energy efficiency performance of Baseline Business Studios through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme​
  • Review our materials and supplier arrangements to reduce embodied carbon and complete a sustainable materials strategy​
  • Conduct LEAN reviews on our refurbishment and repairs processes to minimise waste and improve efficiency ​
  • Increase the number of staff employed from the North Kensington area​
  • Improve recycling facilities in Baseline and our stores and encourage colleagues to recycle more​
  • Develop an approach to resident engagement that uses less paper and minimises waste​
  • Develop a strategy to reduce and reuse waste created through the refurbishment