Environmental Policy
Environmental Policy: Ufton Court Educational Trust
Ufton Court Educational Trust wishes to create an environmentally sensitive and sustainable site that encourages exploration through historical, scientific, and artistic pathways. We aim to inform our visitors about the benefits of living an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
This policy recognises the importance of the following groups in implementing the Ufton Court Eco-code:
- Management
- Visitors
- User Groups
- Permanent and full-time staff
With this in mind the process of obtaining and maintaining eco-centre status and implementing/reviewing the Eco-centre action plan will lie with the Eco-centre committee.
Buildings:
Ufton Court is a grade 1 listed building; and must comply with the regulations in mind. Building work must be done using traditional methods and materials.
Within these constraints all attempts will be made to choose eco-aware options.
The new roof has been adapted to accommodate the nine species of bat roosting within the space.
87.6% of the light bulbs used within Ufton Court are energy efficient and this upgrade to energy efficiency will continue until all bulbs used within the Court are rated energy efficient.
Energy consumption is closely monitored and steps undertaken to reduce usage through switching off of lights and idle equipment. Heating and hot water are set on timers specific to required periods of use minimising wasted energy.
As and when white goods require replacing within Ufton Court energy rating the product is an important consideration in the purchase.
Transport:
We encourage all members and staff and visitors to travel to and from Ufton Court by means of public transport and car shares.
This links to our promotion of healthy and active lifestyles to all staff and visitors.
Purchasing:
As a charity funded, non-profit trust, Ufton Court is committed to responsible purchasing to meet its charitable objectives.
Catering, domestic and administrative supplies are bought in bulk to reduce the number of deliveries to the Trust and reduces our Carbon Footprint.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
Ufton Court is strongly committed to the policy of reduce, reuse and recycle. Any appropriate waste is firstly reused where possible and as a last option recycled preferably for onsite educational activities, office use, or composting. With the aim of substantially reducing the landfill waste generated by Ufton Court Trust.
Biodiversity:
As well as our commitment to the conservation of the bat population in the roof Ufton Court encourages the protection and growth of a diverse wildlife and natural environment through it’s meadows, medieval ponds, undisturbed hedgerows, dedication to minimising the use of pesticides and a no peat policy.
The importance of the trusts dedication to preserving and protecting the natural environment is communicated through activities provided to visitors with forest schools, concepts of sustainability, pond dipping and observing nature.
Global Awareness:
Ufton Court ensures that all staff and visitors are aware of the changing climate caused by their carbon footprint. Activities will promote awareness of climate change through measurements of temperature and rainfall to be published on Ufton Court website. Environmental Organisations are encouraged to visit Ufton Court and experience all that is on offer and local events are promoted within the trust to create a collaborative and globally aware community.
Use less water and energy
Friends of the environment
Turn off lights and taps
Outdoor Education
Nature and wildlife conservation
Compost all green waste
Opt for public transport
Understand the difference you can make
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
Think, eat and live healthy
Date Action Plan was developed: 09/06/11
Action Plan developed by: PGCE Students, University of Reading
