Centre

1.                Centre staff were involved with the Tidy Britain Group in setting up the Eco- Centre Award and helping produce the first handbook. The Centre has an Eco-Centre Award from Encams. There is an Eco-Centre committee and action plans for improving good practice. One current project is to replace old windows with double glazed units throughout Low Bank Ground.

2.                There is a healthy eating policy. Meals are prepared with a good selection of fresh produce, locally-sourced when possible. Menus include plenty of fruit and vegetables.

3.                The Centres use Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate and many of the Tuck-Shop items are fair-traded. A display gives information for students and visiting staff.

4.                Students are encouraged to re-use plastic bottles and carry their own tap water on activities. Buffet style lunches are used to cut down on packaging and waste.

5.                Students are involved in helping to compost and recycle materials. Through discussion and displays they are encouraged to save on the use of water and energy.

6.                Each Centre is developing a project using renewable energy. At Hinning House a solar panel is used to heat the water and at Low Bank a hybrid wind and solar generator will be installed at the Boathouse to provide electricity.

7.                Over half of the programmes now involve groups walking, biking, kayaking, canoeing or sailing from the Centres. When minibus transport is used it is for short journeys. In recent years both Centres have developed local orienteering courses and self-led journeys requiring little vehicle transport.

8.                There have been many improvements to the grounds at Low Bank including creating wetland habitats and woodland, planting hedgerows, protecting the shoreline with willow fascines, planting native tree species and erecting bird boxes.