The British Ambassador celebrated the UK's commitment to tackling climate change and highlighted the plight of the environment during EU Green Week, by hosting Her Majesty The Queen's Birthday party with a 'Think Green' theme.  

In June, EU policy makers and influencers will be congregating in Brussels for the largest annual conference on climate change. Closer to home, the UK has already set binding legal targets to reduce emissions (80% by 2050 and a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020).

In her speech, the Ambassador spoke of the need to help the environment by acting now  by being aware of the impact of our actions.  Every day activities such as switching off lights, not leaving electrical items on stand-by and taking public transport were some of the many ways to reduce carbon footprints.

Embassy staff emitted no emissions by getting to the event.  Some braved Belgium's traffic by riding bikes to the Residence whilst others took the safer option of walking.

The Ambassador herself arrived at the party in an environmentally friendly car. The British Embassy is the first of all diplomatic missions in Belgium to own a hybrid vehicle helping the British Government achieve its aims of reducing emissions in its offices by 30% and to recycle 75% of its waste by 2020.

Consistent with these objectives, the British Embassy ensured all invitations were printed on 100% recycled paper (called hairy manilla!), the venue, the official residence of the Ambassador, used 100% green electricity generated from a mix of renewable sources and the food and drink served was almost all organic and locally sourced.  We even had a bit of fun by adding organic green colouring (from watercress) to the sparkling wine and asking guests to visually support the plight of the environment by wearing green clothing.

The Embassy's effort to help the environment doesn't stop there.  All CO2 emitted from the party is being calculated and trees will be planted to offset the emissions caused.  The Ambassador planted the first of these trees on UN World Environment Day on 5 June.  More ...

The sponsors of the event promoted their actions to help the environment.  Eurostar spoke to many guests about their successful Tread Lightly campaign, which promotes all journeys as being carbon neutral.  Other sponsors included Karen Millen who provided gorgeous models to showcase their colour of the season - green of course! and also donated a  handbag for the fun evening draw.

The electric car company Reva demonstrated that being green doesn't necessarily mean being couped up on public transport.The company supplied two electric cars for guests to try out. HRH Prince Laurent of Belgium and his beautiful wife Princess Claire were driven back to their residence in one!

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