|PIC1|Ecclesiastical Insurance organised a ‘green week’ earlier in the month to promote advice and guidance about being more environmentally-conscious.

As part of the week staff were encouraged to share what they do to minimise their impact on the environment.

Customer Service Manager Derek Thomson was crowned a ‘Green Champion’ for his commitment to walk five-and-a-half miles every day from his home in Longlevens to Ecclesiastical’s office in the City Centre in Brunswick Road.

Mr Thomson said: “It would obviously be much easier and quicker to drive to work, but walking keeps me healthy and means I always arrive at work relaxed for the day ahead.

"I’m not exactly a green campaigner, but I’m doing my bit. If more people followed suit, we could dramatically reduce our impact on the environment.”

During the week staff have also been encouraged to make ‘green pledges’ – promises to make a simple change to reduce environmental impact.

The pledges included riding a bike to the gym instead of driving, switching to energy-saving lightbulbs, turning off TV and monitor standby lights, home-growing vegetables and herbs, and cycling to work.

Ecclesiastical also organised visits from a company supplying electric scooters, the county council, and local green electricity supplier Ecotricity. Growing your own food and eating local produce was also promoted in the staff restaurant.