ViteMeir is an Eco-Lighthouse!
From left: CEO Gry Høyheim, mascot Sophus Lie and mayor Stig Ove Ølmheim
ViteMeir has officially received the Eco-Lighthouse plaque, and of course we couldn't let the occasion pass quietly. In true ViteMeir style, we drove on with horses, caterpillars and nitrogen!
In the development of the center, the academic profile, REINT, guided the content. REINT stands for resources, energy, brainstorming, nature and technology. In ViteMeir's new strategy, sustainability is still just as relevant, and we have emphasized, among other things, the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 13, Stop Climate Change. Through exhibitions and learning programs, ViteMeir will help to strengthen the ability of individuals and institutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to and mitigate the consequences of climate change and provide early warning, and also strengthen education and awareness of this. With this in mind, it is important for us to become Eco-Lighthouse certified and we are pleased to finally receive the visible proof.
Eco-friendly and short-distance transportation
Mayor Stig Ove Ølmheim and fjord dweller Tord
We received the Eco-Lighthouse award and wanted the mayor's transportation to be in keeping with the theme. Siri Hatlevoll Helle showed up with her fjord horse Tord and carriage. The fjord horse is one of the world's oldest horse breeds, and is the western Norway horse above all others because it is skilled in steep and rough terrain. Tord the horse is stationed on the Vangestad farm a stone's throw from ViteMeir, and the fuel is grass from natural meadows grown on the farm. Can it be more environmentally friendly? The mayor got transportation to his door in an environmentally friendly, but slightly unusual way.
Plaque and nitrogen
CEO Gry Høyheim was there to receive the Eco-Lighthouse plaque on behalf of ViteMeir. Our mascot Sophus Lie was also there. "All we need is for ViteMeir with our profile to qualify for this certification, but there is still a lot of hard and systematic work behind this," says daily manager Gry Høyheim. "I commend the employees who stand up for our social mission every day," Gry concludes. Mayor Stig Ove Ølmheim was very pleased with the unusual presentation, which included nitrogen, witch's moth and some science lessons. After the obligatory handshake, he read out the certifier's assessment of ViteMeir.
Vitemeir is an experience center that not only gives visitors good input and experiences within climate and the environment, but also the employees. The company has worked and is working actively and purposefully within climate, environment and working environment. The certifier hereby confirms Vitemeir as an environmental lighthouse.
"Continue the positive, committed and goal-oriented work within climate, environment and working environment" is the serifist's recommendation for further efforts. "This is a rare recommendation," says Mayor Stig Ove Ølmheim. "It tends to be more demanding," he concludes.
Kaffi, caterpillars and Energy House
We couldn't let the mayor leave until we had offered coffee from the new barista machine in SmakeMeir. Since it was a great time for brunch, we also served up some caterpillar waffles. "Wow, this was really good" said the mayor about the protein-rich and future-oriented waffles.
Mayor Stig Ove Ølmheim with freshly brewed coffee and caterpillar waffles.
The visit ended with the premiere of the brand new "Energy House" installation. The mayor was the first to try it out and thought it was a good installation for raising awareness of the visitors' energy consumption in their homes. "This was the shock button," he said when he saw the effect of taking a long shower.
Gry Høyheim and Stig Ove Ølmheim test out the "Energy House".