BIGGET, bolder better… that was Jill Rennie’s ambition for this year’s E-Reps Forum and she certainly hit her target.
Only in its second year, E-Reps has now firmly established itself within the Aberdeen conference schedule.
On Wednesday 9th October, more than 170 environmental representatives gathered at the Beach Ballroom for a day of discussion, networking and skills exchange.
Companies represented included Apache, Maersk Oil, Petrofac, Wood Group PSN, Shell and BP in addition to sponsors and exhibitors.
Topics ranged from waste awareness from Aberdeen City Council to ‘The Future of Offshore Green Teams’ delivered by Craig Bunyon of Chevron. A particular draw was Dick Strawbridge, the presenter of the Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge.
Dick is veteran green campaigner whose headline is ‘sustainability’, in every form.
After spending a weekend on a BP platform last year, Dick was particularly keen to address an Aberdeen audience.
He said: “This is the heart of oil and gas in the country and the people we are talking to here are volunteers trying to make a difference to environmental issues, the capability in this room is phenomenal – what a privilege.”
His keynote speech was on the topic of how best to communicate the green message, urging his audience to have fun in their new roles. “Over the next 40 years, we will need to produce more food than we have in total over the past 8,000 years.
“It’s not about imparting technological information, we’ve got to come at this from a point that people understand. The serious message must go hand in hand with entertainment.”
Said Rennie: “I think it’s important to get speakers who have a unique perspective within their field and crucially who are entertaining.
“Dick was the perfect fit. Through his TV work and hands-on environmentalism, he understands the difficulties of trying to change working cultures; that, quite literally, ‘It’s not easy being Green’. To have Dick launch our E-Reps awards was a particular highlight.”
An evening ceremony was held at the Copthorne Hotel where three awards were given out.
The category for Outstanding Contribution from an Individual was won by Dawn Strachan of Talisman Sinopec.
Outstanding Green Team of the Year was awarded to Chevron X-Asset Team and the Green Technology award was won by Augean North Sea Services for their Pocra Quay Slop Treatment Facility.
“There is nothing to recognise the EReps role, it is not a legal requirement, so different operators approach and manage the role in their own way. Our awards bring representatives together.
“They recognise individuals and the organisations that have invested in green technologies. Our aim is that they don’t just pay lip service to what our delegates are trying to do but are seen as a credible badge within the industry,” added Jill Rennie.
Sponsorship continued to be generous, with Talisman, Taqa and BG Group endorsing the forum for a second year running. Exhibitors included Anartya, VegWare, Keenan Recycling, The North Sea Bird Club, NECE, Sea Changers and The British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
Issued by Arlene Searle of Granite PR on behalf of the E-Reps Network. For further information please contact:
General media enquiries arlenesearle@granitepr.co.uk
E-Reps Informattion Jill Rennie at Jill@erepsnetwork.com
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Contact: Brett Jackson
Email: brettjackson@granitepr.co.uk
