Fiona Macaskill from Olveston near Bristol was crowned NLA Green Property Woman 2010, at the prestigious NLA Property Awards held in London.  Fiona, who is also a paragliding world record holder, won the Green award, sponsored by my|deposits, for her commitment to the environment and green policies in her rental properties.

Fiona, who has been a member of my|deposits since 2007, entered the letting business after receiving an inheritance and today has over 40 properties in the Bristol area mostly catering for the student community. She has been passionate about ensuring that her properties are environmentally friendly from the start and this award comes at a time when ‘green’ homes are high on the government’s agenda, particularly with the introduction of the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill due this autumn.

Among the ‘green’ initiatives which Fiona has introduced into her lettings are: eco boilers and ‘A’ rated appliances, insulating to the highest level to help tenants keep bills down; cavity wall insulation, insulation of many internal surfaces and external walls, 200mm loft insulation, 80mm tank insulation, as well as draught proofing, double glazing and solar PV panels.

Fiona said, “I am absolutely delighted to have won NLA Green Property Woman and that the judges and my|deposits have recognised my efforts in reducing both mine and my tenants’ carbon footprint.  Not only do I try to introduce green fixtures, fittings and policies into my properties, but I try to carry this through to every aspect of my business, from recycling to paperless invoicing and only communicating via email or telephone.”

Fiona also equips her tenants so they can be greener by providing recycling and compost bins and showing them how to use heating thermostats and time switches.

Eddie Hooker, Chief Executive of mydeposits.co.uk said, “Fiona is truly remarkable and a shining example for all other landlords across the land.  Not only has she successfully implemented her green vision for lettings but has also managed to secure both British and world records in paragliding at the same time. Her vision for ‘greener’ rentals is admirable and my|deposits is proud to give her the accolade of NLA Green Property Woman 2010.”

For more information about the NLA Property Women Award categories and winners visit www.propertywomenawards.org.uk <http://www.propertywomenawards.org.uk>