Melanie Sykes Launches Search for First ‘Green Voice of Great Britain’

LONDON -

- Winner to be Announced During 2009’s Energy Saving Week (21 October) and Will Speak up for the “Man In The Street” on Green Issues Over the Next Year

- Pics Available From www.dsawyer@webershandwick.com

Melanie Sykes has launched the search for the first ‘Green Voice of Great Britain’ on behalf of the only free, impartial adviser to consumers on all sustainable living issues - the Energy Saving Trust.

She is urging individuals across Great Britain and Northern Ireland to enter a competition to find a people’s green champion - a passionate advocate selected from the people, to represent the people.

The chosen one will become the voice on environmental issues for ‘the man on the street’ and more than 300 already established Energy Saving Trust Green Ambassadors[1] across the UK.

The winner will be crowned at a Parliamentary event to take place on Wednesday 21 October during Energy Saving Week and will become Britain’s green eyes and ears, highlighting the challenges faced by the public on ‘going greener’ to the government and the Energy Saving Trust. The Green Voice will make sure everyone sits up, takes notice and takes action to help Great Britain and Northern Ireland be green.

Around GBP8bn of energy is wasted in the UK every year because of homes that are poorly insulated, have inefficient or poorly controlled heating systems and use electricity unnecessarily.

The average household spends around GBP23 per week on fuel and power, around GBP1,200 per year. On average, homes can save GBP300 a year every year by insulating, improving their heating system and being energy efficient.

TV favourite Melanie Sykes said: “UK householders are responsible for almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions so if we are half of the problem then we need to be half of the solution. We’re looking for people who care about the environment, want to get involved and have their say. You don’t have to be an environmentalist living in an eco-house…we are looking for people who can represent the views of the man on the street and communicate these views in a simple manner: have you got the green X Factor?”

The postholder - who will hold the role for one year - will also attend events, act as a media spokesperson on green issues, regularly contribute opinion and views through the Energy Saving Trust’s website and blog.

Energy Saving Trust energy doctor Dr Paula Owen said: “Everyone can play a part in reducing carbon emissions across Great Britain and we need a people’s representative to help inspire others.”

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 5 October, after which a panel of environmental experts will shortlist to four finalists. Short films of each finalist will then be made with each person asked to describe why they are the best person for the job. The public will then be invited to vote on who should be ‘The Green Voice of Great Britain’.

Anyone interested in applying for the ‘Green Voice of Great Britain’ role should log on to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/greenvoice and fill in the downloadable document explaining why, in no more than 100 words YOU should be the Green Voice of Great Britain. Alternatively applications can be posted to Energy Saving Trust, 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP, clearly marking the envelope FAO: GREEN VOICE and including Name, Address, Phone Number and E-mail.

About The Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust is the UK’s leading organisation set up to try and prevent climate change by helping everybody to cut carbon dioxide emissions - the main greenhouse gas causing climate change - from their homes and transport. We promote the efficient use of energy and a low carbon lifestyle.

Through its network of advice centres, the organisation provides free and impartial advice to consumers on saving energy, domestic renewables and greener transport, and is beginning to include water saving and waste reduction advice in its remit. It also works with retailers, builders and industry to make sure that energy efficient products are available for people to choose.

Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or call your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512012.

Find out about the Energy Saving Trust and its key achievements: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/corporate ———————————

[1]Green Ambassadors are ordinary people, leading ordinary lives in ordinary houses.

The only thing extraordinary about them is their passion for saving energy; they help create awareness by being case studies across the Energy Saving Trust key areas of business.

MEDIA INFORMATION

Contact:

Paula Mc Nulty +44(0)141-333-0557/+44(0)7770-886924, pmcnulty@webershandwick.com

Jonathan Rennie +44(0)141-333-0557/+44(0)7770-886908, jrennie@webershandwick.com

Bill Ranatunga +44(0)141-333-0557 / +44(0)7770-886950, branatunga@webershandwick.com

Source: The Energy Saving Trust

Contact: Paula Mc Nulty +44(0)141-333-0557/+44(0)7770-886924, pmcnulty at webershandwick.com; Jonathan Rennie +44(0)141-333-0557/+44(0)7770-886908,
jrennie at webershandwick.com; Bill Ranatunga +44(0)141-333-0557 / +44(0)7770-886950,
branatunga at webershandwick.com