Press Releases

January 25 2006

MCFC donates oak trees to East Manchester parks

In recognition of receiving a Gold Environmental Business Pledge Award, Manchester City Football Club has donated eleven oak trees, representing the eleven players, which will be planted in East Manchester parks.
Oak trees were chosen over other types of tree as they are one of the most popular and spectacular species of tree found in the UK. In England, oak trees can live for well over 200 years and grow over 100 foot tall. Mature Oaks draw up over 50 gallons of water a day. They don't start producing acorns until they are around 20 years old, and when they do, only 1 in every 10,000 acorns make it into a tree.
The Award - which is backed by energywatch - is a joint initiative between Manchester City Council, Groundwork, Mersey Basin Campaign, The Environment Agency and ENCAMS. It is designed to encourage Manchester businesses to play their part in improving the environment.

Pete Bradshaw, Social Responsibility Manager at Manchester City Football Club said: "In the past few years Manchester City has worked hard to introduce, develop and manage a series of responsible environment projects, both within our own facilities and within schools through our community outreach programmes. Throughout the Club, this has included initiatives such as the recycling of paper, purchasing forest friendly products, local purchasing re-sue and recycling of cardboard and glass. In addition we have reduced our waste truck movements to and from site by around 85 per cent."

The Environmental Business Pledge panel singled out Manchester City Football Club for the honour because of its broad reaching commitment to environmental best practice. The panel also scrutinised the Club's recycling policy, its policy on buying products from sustainable sources, reducing waste, community activities and environmental management.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Planning and the Environment, at Manchester City Council said: "The Gold Standard Environmental Business Pledge recognises businesses that are setting the benchmark which others should aspire to follow. Manchester City Football Club has consistently demonstrated its commitment to improving the environment and we are therefore delighted to present this Award."