Showcase Achievements From A Sustainable Industry
Highlights of the Quarry Products Association’s Showcase 2005 event
Members of the Quarry Products Association underlined their continuing commitment to sustainability on 9 June 2005 by demonstrating the considerable efforts that have been made to minimize and eradicate industry’s impacts on the environment and local communities. The QPA Showcase 2005 event was a platform for the sharing of best industry practice in the move towards a truly sustainable industry.
Held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, the Showcase was hosted by BBC broadcaster Fiona Bruce, with an audience comprising leading industry figures, MPs, senior civil servants from all departments with an interest in the quarrying industry, key regional highways officials, county planners and a myriad others. The audience was shown a series of video case studies all capturing the essence of the good work taking place across the industry.
A core element of the Showcase was the announcement of the keenly contested 2005 Restoration Awards, a scheme now in its 35th year. Eight high-quality submissions were received by the QPA, all looking to secure the Cooper Heyman Cup — the industry’s premier award for best practice in quarry restoration. This year saw the introduction of a new Chairman’s Trophy for outstanding achievement, presented by recently appointed QPA Chairman Lynda Thompson. She commented that all eight sites, together with the wider content of the Showcase, demonstrated just how seriously the quarrying industry views restoration and sustainable development.
The Chairman’s Trophy went to CEMEX UK Operations and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust for their Lackford Lakes project. The site, near Bury St Edmunds, has become a 240-acre nature reserve with extensive educational and community opportunities.
The Cooper Heyman Cup, however, was awarded to Brett Aggregates for their Church Lammas quarry in Surrey. This project was undertaken in partnership with Surrey County Council, Spelthorne Borough Council and the Fieldfare Trust. While the original quarry was restored a few years ago, the partners have undertaken a pilot research project to identify ways in which restoration can benefit disabled people.
Simon van der Byl, director general of the Quarry Products Association, said: ‘Once again, we have been impressed by the response we have received from our members to the concept of showcasing good industry practice. The submissions for the Restoration Awards in particular were of an exceptionally high standard.
Following the launch of one of the leading sustainable development plans in British Industry in March, the QPA made a statement about its commitment to these vital working principles. Through the projects exemplified at this year’s Showcase, we have the concrete evidence to back that conviction.’
