writing an environmental policy
If you run a green business, writing the policy bit should be easy. First, answer the questions below.
- Do you reduce your energy consumption wherever possible?
- Do you source local produce and suppliers?
- Do you recycle waste and minimise packaging?
- Do you encourage customers to use public transport or cycling?
- Do you use materials from a sustainable source for furniture, construction and administration?
- Do you encourage conservation and biodiversity in your surroundings?
If you answered yes to all of the questions, you should be able to write an environmental policy for your business. These questions are the bare minimum we expect, so please use as much detail as possible and talk about future plans where relevant.
Use the following headings as a starting point. But remember that your policy will be specific to your location.
- Energy consumption
- Suppliers
- Waste
- Transport
- Materials and building
- Conservation
If you answered no to any of the questions, you may need to look for some advice before applying to ecoescape. We recommend the following organisations:
Green Business Tourism Scheme – The GTBS is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK, with over 1400 members. Businesses opting to join are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, like energy and water efficiency, waste management, and biodiversity.
The Energy Saving Trust – These people are full of ideas on how to reduce your energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project – A great B2B network for tourism businesses, not just in Cornwall but increasingly further afield. You can share ideas and inspiration on greening your tourism business and get involved in projects around the county.
For more information about what we expect to see in your environmental policy, email info@ecoescape.org.
