The Evergreen project, which supports housing association residents in reducing their environmental impact, was recently nominated as an Empowering Communities awards finalist for its pioneering work with older people living in Hanover housing association's sheltered housing schemes in Hackney, London.

The award recognised organisations who had been working with local people to improve their neighbourhoods, and was part of other awards that showcased the very best housing and regeneration schemes across the UK.

Nick Martin, EverGreen Programme Manager, Global Action Plan:

"I'm delighted that this project was nominated. The whole process was very successful and being able to showcase it through being award finalists just shows how much we were able to achieve with the residents and Hanover Housing Association."

All finalists and winners were congratulated at the ceremony hosted by former newscaster Moira Stuart and supported by Margaret Beckett, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, in June.

Residents taking part in the project formed their own ‘EcoTeams' and looked at how they could lessen their impact by reducing their waste, water, energy and transport use.  Residents were then supported to make changes and started to grow their own food, increase their recycling and involve local volunteers and groups from the local community.

Adds Nick:

"As a result of the project, nearly 340 residents have reduced their impact on the environment and through recycling were able to collectively save 34 tonnes of CO2 during the first year alone by diverting waste from landfill. I know many residents are also enjoying growing their own food and now have stronger links with the wider community. The whole programme has really brought an added element for people socially as they work together."

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