Environmental Leadership

Maintenance manager, Ray Morrison, received this year's Environmental Leadership Award, for his inspirational environmental leadership at Chester Zoo.

For over 10 years Ray has led the way in championing environmental awareness and sustainable best practice at the Zoo. His day job as maintenance manager involves overseeing site maintenance, energy, waste and water at an attraction housing 7,000 animals and welcoming over a million visitors every year. Not content with 'doing a good job', Ray’s passion and inspirational environmental advocacy have led him to taking his role far beyond compliance and good practice.

Achievements:

As a founder member of the zoo’s 'Green Initiatives' team, Ray had an instrumental role in helping the organisation to become the first zoo with the BS8555 British Standard for Environmental Management and then the second in Europe to attain the international ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard. He also played a key role in developing sustainable procurement, green transport and waste minimisation policies.

Ray has secured investment and encouraged his colleagues to get involved in a wide range of environmental improvements at the zoo, including reducing water usage, energy efficiency and waste minimisation projects. 500,000 kilowatt hours of electricity and 200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions have been saved in the elephant, penguin and jaguar enclosures alone and Ray has promoted the use of sustainable reed beds and wetlands for treating zoo effluent.

External influence and recognition:

Since 2004 Ray has frequently been invited to present at UK and international conferences. He is actively involved in inspiring the environmental champions of the future by lecturing to MSc students on environmental performance.

In 2006 he represented Chester Zoo at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of the zoo being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and subsequently welcomed HRH The Duke of Kent to the attraction to receive the accolade.

Ray has led by example in all that he does and been influential in changing people’s actions, beliefs and decisions. He has been widely acknowledged as a champion of sustainable environmental management, both within his organisation and far beyond.

What the judges said:

• "Ray has gone above and beyond the role and demonstrated sound leadership, both within the zoo and outside the organisation, through his involvement in lecturing and conferences."
• "There's very clear evidence here of Ray's positive impact and strong commitment to making a difference, which has inspired others to follow his example."
• "Ray's drive and passion for the environment shine through at every stage. He makes things happen."

www.chesterzoo.org