• Supporting businesses in their efforts to improve environmental performance of their business
• Campaigning and lobbying for better environmental service provision across Cumbria

CGBF is now recognised by a growing number of public and private institutions for the valuable work we are doing to deliver on these aims.

Many businesses are looking for opportunities for reducing their environmental impacts and improve performance but are not sure what to do or how to get started. CGBF can help. Most of our members have environmental management systems in place and are already reaping the benefits of improved business opportunities – o ther members are working towards this.

By joining CGBF you will be part of a growing network of like-minded businesses that are keen to share ideas and practical information about environmental management, waste and recycling, energy conservation, procurement, pollution control and a whole range of legal and o ther issues that affect business development.

We very much welcome your interest in CGBF and look forward to you joining us.

Best wishes

John Barwise AIEMA
Chair, CGBF

Member Benefits:

• Free reciprocal weblink to your own business website
• Open forum to discuss views, exchange ideas, find information and advice
• To be part of a business group with like minded green businesses
• Capacity to network and get to know o ther green businesses
• To be part of a lobbying group who will be campaigning on behalf of members on a variety of topical subjects
• As a marketing tool to promote good green business practice
• To act as a stronger buying group in order to source greener alternatives
• To promote the greener purchasing needs of the members
• Receive member discounts on products and services from o ther members
• Discounted office stationery and cleaning products
  
  

Membership Requirements:
CGBF credibility is entirely dependant on our members’ commitment to improve environmental performance and this is written into our constitution. By becoming a member of CGBF you are agreeing to abide by our constitution so please read it carefully. Constitution

Membership to CGBF is by application only - As part of this application you will be asked to:

• Commit to developing an Environmental Policy for your business - This can be done as part of your Environmental Management Audit (see below).
  Sample Environmental Policy
  
• Demonstrate your company’s commitment to becoming greener, by undertaking an Environmental Management audit, if not already done so.
  
• Show support for local community environmental initiatives - by being encouraged to join a local environmental / conservation / wildlife scheme, if not already members.
  This can be as simple as having a collection box for Cumbria Wildlife Trust to being corporate members of the Tourism and Conservation Partnership.
  
• To provide a voice for local businesses on green issues and help towards lobbying for better facilities and services – by supporting our members meetings / contributing your views whenever possible

• actively promote CGBF by providing a reciprocal link back to the CGBF web site

CGBF are here to help and encourage you through this simple process. If you need help with any of these stages please refer to our resources pages on the website.

If you need further help please contact David or Caroline at cote How on 015394 32765.

Membership Fees:
Current membership fees are £24 per annum and successful applicants will be invoiced once your application has been approved.

Successful Applicants:
You will receive an electronic welcome pack which will contain:

• a copy of the constitution
• a copy of your membership certificate
• your password and user details to access the CGBF website
• details of EMS schemes which you will need to complete if not already a member.
• details of local environmental/conservation/wildlife groups
• details to member discounts etc
• information relating to forthcoming events

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM