In 2019, the UK Parliament declared an environment and climate emergency. In recent years, we have already begun to see the impact of climate change is having across the UK.
Here at the Future Skills Centre, we understand that sustainability should be at the core of all our current and future business decisions. Changes in our approach can have a positive impact on the future of our planet.
With the following sustainability pledge, we intend to become a more sustainable venue and protect our surrounding eco system.
Our pledge to the future of the planet focuses on protecting the Future Skill Centre’s surrounding ecosystems and habitats, as well as changes we can make around food, waste, travel, and recycling. We are committed to promoting these changes to all staff, students, visitors, and guests. A collaborative approach is essential to ensure we have a positive impact and see results.
As the Future Skills Centre is managed by Exeter College, we have adopted many of the green commitments already in place by the college to future-proof the planet. Our commitments are defined within 6 core areas: Plastic Reduction, Wildlife Habitats, Sustainable Food, Sustainable Travel, Monitoring Waste and Renewable Energy.
Plastic Reduction
It is now common knowledge that single-use plastics have a negative impact on the environment. Over the last few years, many businesses have moved to plastic free operations, and the Future Skills Centre intends to do the same.
We are working with our partnered contractor to move away from single-use plastics in our onsite café. Currently, the majority of our food packaging is sustainably sourced and made from plant-based compostable materials. Even the bio laminate film on our windowed sandwich bags and salads is made from plants! We use wooden cutlery and have bottle re-fill points across the centre.
That said, there is still of room for improvement. Our café currently serves drinks in plastic bottles and event catering includes plastic packaging. As we move forward, we are working with our catering provider to create plastic-free operations where possible. Even last week a new reusable cup initiative for hot drinks has been launched, with a financial incentive to reinforce the eco-friendly messaging!
Sustainable Food
In addition to reducing our plastic use, we have purposefully chosen to work with a local catering contractor that places sustainability high on their agenda. Our catering is provided from local food producers. This means that we not only supporting the local economy, but also reducing food miles. As such, we are confident that we are supplying the best products, in the best way possible for our future planet.
Moving forward, we also pledge to provide more vegan options for both coffee breaks and lunchtime menus. Watch this space for more information!
Wildlife Habitats
Within the next 18 months, we commit to redeveloping the natural spaces around the Future Skills Centre.
We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by East Devon countryside, with beautiful green spaces, a pond area and unique wildlife on our doorstep. By introducing bird boxes, beehives and developing our pond, we hope to encourage more wildlife to the site and support a more advanced ecosystem.
As a varied site with many students and staff, we will be looking to introduce a gardening club at the Future Skills Centre. Fresh air can improve wellbeing by relieving anxiety and stress, and we all know the importance of taking screen breaks. A gardening club will support staff and student wellbeing and give those with green fingers the opportunity to put their skills to good use and help develop the wonderful green areas on-site.
Sustainable Travel
Whilst driving to work or an event may be convenient, we all know that cars and fuel gases do not aid the environment. That’s why the Future Skills Centre are actively supporting our staff and students in finding more sustainable ways to travel.
As summer has arrived, we have noticed a great increase in the number of cyclists arriving at the Future Skills Centre. A fantastic partnership has been established with local company, Co-Bikes. You can find a Co-Bike rack and a supply of electric bikes at the front of the centre. This is part of a vast network of bikes and charging points around the city. With a comfortable, mostly flat, and safe cycling route to the Future Skills Centre, this is a popular option amongst staff and students. The team at the Future Skills Centre are always on hand to promote the safe routes for travel.
The Future Skills Centre also has four electrical vehicle charging units nearby and plans to further our partnership with Co Cars by offering car hire stations on site too, offering another convenient and sustainable way to travel.
Monitoring Waste
As a conference venue, we understand that limiting waste is essential for reducing our environmental impact. That’s why we work with a waste disposal company that extracts value from waste.
When you place something in the bin at the FSC, you can be confident that it will be sorted after collection, with the maximum amount possible being recycled, and the rest being put to good use. Our waste disposal company’s energy-from-waste facilities generate electricity to power homes across England, and the small percentage of non-recycled waste that is disposed of in landfill is placed in a landfill site that is prepped for future use, whether that is recreation or light cultivation. They will also ensure that any gases are extracted and used for energy.
Renewable Energy
Did you know? All electricity used at the Future Skills Centre is supplied from Clean Technology Renewable Energy. This means that all our power is generated from natural sources such as wind, solar and hydro. This policy runs across all sites that Exeter College manage, not just the Future Skills Centre.
The Future
We are committed to continuous environmental improvement at the Future Skills Centre, whether that is through our everyday business operations, our facilities or our event offering. The team are committed to influencing and supporting change. That is why sustainability sits at the core of our business and will remain a priority on our agenda.
Get in touch if you want to discuss our sustainability pledge with us.
