Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, together with its partners have been awarded a prestigious Green Apple Award for environmental best practice, in recognition of its successful Tap into Savings project. Presentation of the award will take place at the House of Commons in November 2010.

The Green Organisation is an independent environmental group, which is now in its fifteenth year, and dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice in the UK and internationally.

The Tap into Savings project was launched in February to help residents in the Borough, not only save money, but to make efficient use of gas, water and electricity on a low budget.

The Project has assisted over 900 low income households by installing energy reducing kits that have made significant savings. Twenty- three households have so far taken part in EcoTeams, which are groups of friends and relatives meeting to examine fun and easy ways to save water, energy, money and reducing waste.

Over 5,000 homes received environmental information and 1330 school children in three local primary schools had water saving education sessions and benefited from water and energy saving kits.

Councillor Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment said

“These initiatives by the Council and its partners have made a significant difference to residents in reducing their energy bills. Borough residents have been very enthusiastic about contributing to the scheme and have reaped the benefits.

“This is very good news and follows on from recent news that the Council has already saved tens of thousands of pounds by improving its own energy efficiency.”

The initial success of the Project now means that it will be rolled out across England by Waterwise, which will involve more than 10,000 individuals.

New EcoTeams groups have also started running in Redhill. To join or for further information please contact Joanna Hills, [email protected] or telephone 01737 276628.

To find out more information about EcoTeams log on to: www.ecoteams.org.uk

Partners and funders of the Tap into Savings project included Raven Housing Trust, Waterwise, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Global Action Plan, The Environment Agency, Regional Housing and Regeneration Board and Defra’s Greener Living Fund.