Edinburgh Airport has attracted criticism in the past for its environmental credentials.
But yesterday a local environmental charity secured the airport's signature on its new green business champions scheme.
The Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust launched the 'Green Champions Corporate Supporters Scheme' to improve the quality of local greenspaces.
The airport joins Arup and City Cabs in supporting the ELGT scheme, which seeks to help businesses to enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility strategies and work towards "greener, happier, healthier businesses."
The airport will now get a free team challenge event in a local greenspace, a bespoke programme of walks designed to get staff active, while the ELGT will try to create more ways of promoting its CSR obligations.
The ELGT's fundraising manager Liz Stewart said that the current economical climate is not putting local firms off from trying to meet their green targets.
She said:
"We have only just launched the scheme and our first impressions are that even though budgets are tight and companies are being careful, there is still a keenness to get involved with charitable giving at a local level - where businesses can get involved and see the positive benefits to communities and the environment at first hand."
The airport's managing director Kevin Brown said helping to create green spaces on the city's outskirts was one of the main reasons they signed up.
He said:
"Edinburgh Airport has a solid track record in supporting and promoting "green" business in its surrounding communities. We're therefore delighted to join with Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust as a Green Business Champion.
"Their focus on the practical fits with well with the airport's positive approach and we look forward to working with the team to create great green spaces in West Edinburgh."
The Trust carries out practical environmental projects, such as the creation of community parks, gardens, woodlands, allotments and other greenspaces and works with communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians, getting people active and enjoying the parks and woodlands around the capital.
We reported on some of their summer work recently here.
Anyone keen to sign up as a green business champion can find out more on this section of the ELGT's website.
