College Employee named an Eco Hero
City College Norwich Travel Plan Co-ordinator Natalie Halsall has been rewarded for her efforts to help make the College a more eco-friendly place to work when she was named Eco Hero at the second Norwich Eco Awards.
The awards were organised by Norwich City Council in partnership with the Norwich Evening News to celebrate the hard work going on in the city to help the environment and Natalie received her award in a ceremony at City Hall attended by nearly 70 people.
The awards encompass the eco activities of businesses, schools and community groups and the Eco Hero was chosen from all the entries received making it a real honour. Natalie was up against stiff competition with other winners on the night including Recreation Road Infant School, Norfolk Homemakers Furniture Project and Odeon Cinemas.
Natalie was chosen as a person who not only understands the need for a change to be made, but goes over and above the remit of her daily work to make sure the eco message is spread to a wide age range. When Natalie started at City College Norwich she was given the massive task of changing people’s perception of public transport, walking and cycling but has risen to this challenge and helped hundreds of staff and students get to College greenly and safely.
Natalie has set up an internal College website which holds information on public transport options for students and staff. She has set up numerous projects to raise green awareness across College including a competition where students from the School of Foundation Studies designed a green travel poster which was displayed on First Buses across the region.
Natalie has forged close links with local authorities and has facilitated new bus shelters which are to be installed outside the College and discounted travel for staff and students on services such as Park and Ride.
Within College Natalie has had success with a cycle to work scheme where staff can benefit from an interest and tax free loan to buy a new bicycle. She is also working with local schools to encourage parents to meet up and walk children to school together and bus sharing between schools.
Natalie works closely with Travel Independence Training Across the Nation (TITAN) a scheme which has been designed to encourage young people to become safe independent travellers and to give them improved life skills.
Natalie said: “I can’t believe it, to be honest. I’m so proud. I am really enthusiastic about protecting the environment and promoting greener living and I love the job that I do. I think other people see my enthusiasm and want to be a part of these projects which is fantastic.”
This year’s awards were presented by last year’s Eco Hero John Popely and the evening was attended by the Sheriff of Norwich, Professor Tim O’Riordan.
Prof O’Riordan said: “Norwich is moving rapidly ahead with its ecocredentials. “The awards are hugely important, as they are a sign of a community ready to play its part in helping Norwich to be a clean and lean city.”