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The Allia Future Business Centre in Peterborough has achieved the highest level of accreditation by the Investors in the Environment (iiE) national environmental scheme. The accreditation was achieved for Allia’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact and widening its sustainable approach. 

Allia is a not-for-profit which supports ventures and entrepreneurs that aim to make positive change for people, planet and place. It extends its sustainability practices throughout the running and management of the organisation and encourages a wider environmental ethos throughout its Future Business Centres and tenants.  

To achieve the accreditation, there were a number of criteria that needed to be met over the year, including having an environmental policy, adopting a travel plan, setting targets to reduce carbon footprints, and receiving an annual onsite audit. Resources that were measured include electricity, water, paper, batteries, travel-mileage and carbon.   

A further target had to be reached to qualify for the top level ‘Green’ accreditation; a minimum of 2% improvement in resource efficiency over an agreed baseline figure. Allia achieved above and beyond this; battery usage decreased by 11.5%, and paper was reduced by 22.5% in 2017. Additionally, through the combination of an efficient travel plan, the introduction of instant messenger, and a good culture of sustainable transport, the business travel mileage was reduced to zero. 

Many eco-initiatives were adopted in the Peterborough Future Business Centre during the past year, which contributed to the Green accreditation, including Fairtrade drinks and water refill schemes, and a loyalty programme encouraging reusable cups in the centre’s Grow bistro.   

Danette O’Hara from iiE said: “Allia has a strong environmental management system in place. The Green Champion is very committed to reducing Allia’s overall environmental impact, by continuously looking at new areas of focus and new initiatives to implement. Congratulations to Allia for achieving Green level accreditation. We look forward to seeing continued efforts and future successes.”  

Allia’s Future Business Centre in Cambridge also adopts many sustainable practices; it was purpose built as an eco-building in 2014 and is rated as BREEAM excellent due to its green credentials such as solar panels and rainwater collection tanks on the roof.  

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About Allia 
Allia is an independent not-for-profit with a social mission, dedicated to helping impact organisations and initiatives to grow. Allia supports those that aim to make positive change and address the most pressing global and local challenges: through flexible workspace, networking and community in its Future Business Centres (in Cambridge, London and Peterborough); a range of workshops, mentoring and business advice through its Serious Impact programme; and social finance solutions to help charities create greater impact. 

Press enquiries to Sally Bain, Brand, Marketing & Communications Manager sally.bain@allia.org.uk 01223 781304 or Lucy Amos, Marketing & Communications Officer lucy.amos@allia.org.uk 01223 781318