Environmental Gold for Mannok
Gold level award achieved by the company in the BITC Business & Biodiversity Charter
MANNOK have been awarded the Gold level in the Business & Biodiversity Charter from Business In The Community NI, an external recognition of the company’s commitment to responsible business practices that improve biodiversity conservation in Northern Ireland and on Earth.
The Business & Biodiversity Charter is an initiative of responsible business network Business in the Community, in partnership with Northern Ireland wildlife charity Ulster Wildlife. The charter helps businesses implement biodiversity initiatives and provides external recognition of measures already in place to ensure that plants, animals, bugs, bacteria, habitats, and humans can thrive and work effectively and in balance.
Mannok were awarded silver recognition in 2021 when their environmental team was commended for its many biodiversity initiatives, especially the company’s then recently launched biodiversity roadmap, its Natural Assets Action Plan (NAAP).
To achieve gold level, Mannok had to review the biodiversity effects of their various sites and identify changes that could be implemented to benefit surrounding biodiversity.
These criteria were met by focusing on two large tree-planting projects carried out within the last 18 months. Mannok planted 9,500 native tree species to create a new woodland at Kinrush, including rowan, oak, alder, Scots pine, crab tree, birch, and willow species selected for the purpose of enhancing local biodiversity.
Mannok also planted 7,500 native tree species at Fivemiletown quarry in 2024, in addition to the 600 Scots pine trees previously planted in 2021 as part of the Kick The Carbon initiative.
Stephen Linden, environmental manager, Mannok, said: ‘We are proud and delighted to have received the gold level achievement in the Business and Biodiversity Charter.
‘To achieve this, we looked at two large tree-planting projects at Fivemiletown Quarry and Kinrush and we were able to explain the biodiversity benefits this would bring to the native biodiversity, such as habitat creation, safe passage for wildlife, improvement in soil quality, and an early source of pollen for local pollinators.
‘We also demonstrated our efforts in engaging staff in biodiversity through the Kestrel Cam and articles within the planet section of the company newsletter.’
Kieran Harding, managing director of Business in the Community NI, said: ‘We are delighted to present Mannok with Gold level achievement in the Business & Biodiversity Charter.
‘Enhancing biodiversity is fundamental for ensuring a sustainable future for all and ensuring long-term business survival. Many businesses and their suppliers rely on stable, healthy ecosystems for their production processes and to treat and dissipate waste, so it is imperative that companies take action to ensure our natural environment is protected.’
