A STUDENT on a placement at Borough of Poole has won an award for helping businesses to go green.

Lee Merchant, Borough of Poole’s carbon management intern, pictured on the right, was crowned Student Star of the Future at the Rock Recruitment Awards held at Boscombe O2.

He is on a year’s placement with the council while studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Geography at Bournemouth University and was nominated for the award by Paul Cooling, carbon reduction manager for his enthusiasm and passion in helping implement the Green positive Environmental Action Scheme of local businesses.

Green PEA, as it is known, has more than 30 local organisations signed up or working towards foundation level ranging from heavy hitters such as Lush to schools, churches and hotels.

The scheme has delivered savings of £101,348 and 511 tonnes of CO2.

By 2020 the target is for six per cent of businesses to achieve excellence, which means around 360 businesses reaching this level with a reduction in emissions of 47,643 tonnes.

Councillor Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for carbon management, Borough of Poole, pictured on the left, said: “It has been fantastic to see the transformation Lee has made during his placement year, into a confident and valued member of the team at Borough of Poole.

“This internship really demonstrates the benefits of the strong council and University student placement relationship.”

Lee said: “This award is extremely special for me and I was honoured to just be nominated against some extremely talented and skilled individuals.”