award winning architects

Tuesday, 24 June 2008 01:00

Stride Treglown Helps Local Charity Build Green Roof

Bristol based architects Stride Treglown have shown their continuing support for local community organisations with a donation of time, money and advice to provide a green roof as an education project for CSV Environment.

The charity, based in Bishopworth, gives people in the local community the opportunity to get involved in improving their environment by running restoration projects and offering training and education about environmental issues.

Stride Treglown and CSV Environment

Stride Treglown's involvement with CSV Environment began at the end of last year with a grant made from the fund it holds with Quartet Community Foundation. £2000 was awarded to provide training to 12 young volunteer trainees from the local area with the aim of helping them gain employment in the future.

Following this, Stride Treglown staff visited CSV to see how else they could become involved. CSV expressed an interest in having a green roof on one of their storage containers in their yard in Hartcliffe. Stride Treglown designed a wooden frame, drainage and planting system then sent five volunteers to the yard for a day to work with members of the CSV team to build and set the roof in place along with painting the charity's specially commissioned gates. Stride Treglown also donated the funds for the specialist drainage layers, growing medium and sedum plants needed.

As well as allowing Stride Treglown staff to get out of the office and get their hands dirty, the day provided the CSV trainees the opportunity to see the processes involved in establishing a green roof on a more manageable scale.

"Constructing a green roof was a unique experience for our trainees and volunteers, everyone finished the day having learnt something new.  The CSV Environment yard is a meeting point for our volunteers and trainees and the green roof is a landmark which the team can be proud of. For me it is a great example of a collaborative project, involving the young people of Hartcliffe, CSV Environment and Stride Treglown working to enhance a community space" says Ken Kennedy of CSV Environment.

Kevin Steer, chairman of Stride Treglown commented, "It's important that businesses like ours take the lead in helping young local people gain skills that are much needed. We take this responsibility very seriously and are constantly looking for ways to improve business practices and contribute to the communities in which we operate. CSV Environment is a great example of the fantastic work charities do to help future generations gain valuable training and experience.  I'm delighted we are able to help."

Further Volunteering

Stride Treglown will be sending five more staff to CSV Environment for a further volunteering day later in the month. The company has also taken on Hartwood Enterprises to carry out maintenance work on the grounds around its offices in Clifton. Part of CSV Environment, Hartwood Enterprises is a social enterprise offering work based training opportunities in landscaping and horticulture to young people in South Bristol. The team of paid staff, trainees and horticulture students carry out contract work for organisations and individuals.