Carbon Compensation
School Pupils help Isles of Scilly helicopter company cut carbon footprint
British International is to reduce its carbon footprint with the launch of an innovative new project developed and led by pupils.
British International are backing a range of green measures devised by school pupils on the islands. A grant from the company will help the pupils set up schemes such as solar panels for community buildings, recycling facilities, environmental awareness campaigns and green workshops. The project is designed to compensate the carbon emissions, and so reduce the company’s overall environmental impact.
It is being carried out in conjunction with Five Islands School on the Isles of Scilly, which has set up a “Green Team” to lead the scheme. British International Director Peter Sorby said: “Today’s pupils know they will have to deal with the possible effects of climate change and so they’re acutely aware of environmental issues. That means they’ve shown bundles of enthusiasm and innovation; we’re simply providing the cash so they can make their ideas a reality.”
These initiatives, which now include the Green Team project, support British International’s overall environmental policy, including schemes to reduce water and energy consumption, waste and pollution.
The Green Team project is led by Stephanie Sedgeman, a pupil at Five Islands School. She commented: “We’ve been doing lots of things to improve both the global environment, and the gorgeous local environment on the islands. But much of that needs money and that’s why we’ve been so pleased with the support from British International. Their flights are vital for the islands, and we’re glad they’re looking to balance their carbon emissions by helping reduce emissions elsewhere.”
The new project’s focus on recycling and waste management will also help maintain the beauty of the islands, which is the key attraction for most visitors.
This work, combined with sustainable energy sources and work to reduce energy usage on the Islands, is forecast to compensate for much of the emissions from the helicopter flights.
Peter Sorby continued: “Increasingly, our customers want to know that we’re doing what we can to reduce the impact of their flights. This project shows we’re doing exactly that in an exciting and innovative way. We’ve really enjoyed working with the pupils to develop this project.”
Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Seaquest Basking Shark Project 2009
British International are delighted to announce that we are sponsoring Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Seaquest Basking Shark Project 2009 (link to http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk ) through our Carbon Compensation fund. The project aims to provide a deeper understanding of basking shark distribution and behaviour which can provide a valuable insight into the effect of climate change on our marine environment. The Trust ran the project during 2008, and thanks to our funding it can run again this year.
Basking sharks are the second biggest fish in the world, growing up to 10 metres in length and weighing up to 7 tonnes. Although generally elusive in nature these magnificent creatures are often seen cruising the waters of our Cornish coasts, specifically in the spring and summer months, in search of their food source; zooplankton (tiny, microscopic animals floating in the water column). In fact 7 metre shark can filter out up to an incredible 25kg of plankton in one hour alone.
However, research has shown an observed shift in the distribution of sightings of basking sharks in recent years. Rising sea temperatures caused by climate change may be having an affect on the timing and distribution of plankton blooms. Therefore collecting data on the movements and distribution of basking sharks in our waters will provide essential understanding on how the marine environment is being affected by climate change. This enables conservationists to better inform decision makers who are considering conservation action, such as the development of Marine Protected Zones, which in turn helps protect basking sharks.
Tom Hardy, Marine Conservation Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,
“It’s great to have this project sponsored by British International so we can continue researching this wonderful marine species. Without sponsorship, this project might not have happened, so British International really are making a difference to marine climate change research and the protection of one of our most enigmatic creatures.”
Peter Sorby, British International Financial Director said
“Reducing carbon emissions is a key issue for British International. Whilst we work hard to do this, we also want to support organisations researching the effects of climate change such as Cornwall Wildlife Trust. So we are incredibly pleased to be supporting the Seaquest Basking Shark Project via our carbon compensation scheme. The Penzance to St Marys route, which has been operated by helicopter since 1964, gives people the chance to get an exhilarating first-look aerial view of not only the stunning islands but also the surrounding sea. During this time you may even catch a glimpse of the magnificent basking shark! We hope that this research will help work towards the conservation of this magnificent marine giant.”
In 2008 86 volunteers were involved in 71 days of surveys, and in that time basking sharks, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbour porpoises and seals were seen, with the highlight being the sighting of a fin whale! The Trust has now recruited a fantastic group of enthusiastic volunteers to assist with the 2009 surveys. Volunteers will be surveying for basking sharks and other marine wildlife from 1st June 2009, dawn till dusk from the cliffs at Gwennap Head on the Penwith peninsula. The surveys involve being outside for long hours but the rewards of spotting our wonderful marine mega-fauna is well worth it. If you are fascinated by the sea and the creatures that live there, there are still places for volunteers to join the project. Please contact Mike Langshaw, Seaquest Basking Shark Project Co-ordinator on 07500 080385 if you would like further information.
