City-rooted firm lays down new ones for the future
School pupils in Sunderland helped a manufacturing firm, which has its roots in the city, lay down some new ones to celebrate a major annversary
Haskel Europe, based at North Hylton in Sunderland,wasjoinedbypupilsfrom Southwick Community Primary School on World Earth Day as it planted 75 trees – one for each year it has been in business.
Theeventwasinsupportof SunderlandCityCouncil’sambition to make the city carbon neutral by 2040.
A total of 50 copper beech trees were planted in Southwick Cemetery while the remaining 25 will be planted on the grounds of the school.
The decision to plant the seedlings coincided with Haskel – which manufacturers high- pressure pumps and valves for an array of industries – announcing its global commitment to realise net-zerogreenhousegasemissionsinitsoperationsby2050.
Darran Heath, Haskel’s general manager, said: “Haskel’s products and services provide a unique opportunity to contribute to solving pressing climate change issuesinareassuchaswaterand energy consumption.
“As part of the Ingersoll Rand group, our environmental goals focus on energy, waterandwastetopicsandit’s greattobeabletocometogether with the council and local community to make a difference in the city we live and work in.
“This Earth Day celebrationmarksthestartofHaskel’s 75thanniversarycelebrations and reaffirms our commitment to reducing our carbon impact. Globally the Ingersoll Rand group aims to plant 3,000 trees."
A total of 16 pupils from Southwick Community Primary School supported Haskel’s efforts.
Christian Robson, head teacher at the school, said:
“Supporting a local business with a strong environmental ethos and community conscience is something we feel passionately about as a school. The children are delighted to play an active part in contributing to solving climate change in their own local area."
Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at the council, said: “For decades, Haskel has been a pioneer. We’re delighted to see them continuing to invest in the city.”