Our Sustainability Policy

The Southwater Event Group is a member of the Association of Event Venues (AEV) Sustainability Working Group which aims to help share best practice within the events industry

We believe that our clients, visitors and employees are entitled to a healthy environment in which to visit / work. We can help to ensure this for coming generations by establishing sound practices of reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery within our venues.

Our Policy

General

1. It is the policy of Southwater Event Group (SEG) to adopt such practices of reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery wherever financially and logistically feasible and to endeavour, progressively, to enhance our capabilities in this respect.
2. A comprehensive recycling and energy saving plan shall be implemented as appropriate throughout SEG. The goals of this action plan shall be to:
   1. Stimulate the interest of all Organisers, Guests, Visitors, Management and Employees of SEG in the importance of sound environmental and recycling practices and to encourage their participation
   2. Reduce the amount of un-recycled / un-reused waste produced by SEG, thereby reducing the negative environmental impact whilst reducing cost
   3. Reduce the energy usage throughout our buildings
   4. Develop and maintain grounds by landscaping with due regard to environmental impact and social value
3. These goals can be achieved only by co-operation of SEG Management and Staff, Guests and Event Organisers
4. Everyone shall be encouraged to take on an active role in our recycling, waste reduction and energy reduction programmes by complying with SEG's procedures and guidelines concerning the production and disposal of reusable and non-reusable waste materials and energy saving plans

Directors, Managers and Supervisors

1. Directors, Managers and Supervisors at every level shall:
   1. Take reasonable steps to facilitate the proper disposal of recyclable wastes;
   2. Comply with SEG's procedures concerning the reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery of waste products;
   3. Foster a positive attitude towards waste reduction, energy reduction and recycling within their work area.
   4. To review, annually report, and to continually strive to improve our sustainability performance.

Arrangements

Recycling
We currently have processes and procedures in place for recycling the following waste:

• Cardboard & Paper
• Wood
• Glass & Glass bottles
• Metal
• Toner and Printer Cartridges
• Wooden Pallets
• Kitchen Oil

Energy
We currently have the following systems in place to assist in reducing energy within our Group:

• Dimmer switches in conference rooms
• Thermostatic controls fitted to radiators
• External optimiser to control heating system
• Zoned thermostats in place to control heating levels
• Insulated cladding panels
• A heat recovery unit in place
• High efficiency boiler
• Double glazing to 95% of windows
• Insulated hot water tank
• Thermostatic control of hot water
• Reduced flush toilets
• Water quality test in place
• PIR Lighting Detection
• Building Management System
• Multi Level Lighting
• Sensor controlled urinals & taps
• Energy saving lamps
• Purchase energy efficient equipment (where practicable)

Working practices and advice to guests / organisers / visitors

We aim to reduce the amount of laundry generated at hotels by:

• Changing bed linen every 3rd day
• Offering Guests the choice of when to have their bedroom towels laundered

A copy of our Sustainability Policy will be supplied with all our proposals to Clients

We will offer advice and assistance to event organiser's in recycling practices for their events

We actively promote 'green travel' to our clients and visitors including car sharing and rail travel including the direct rail service from London to Telford from Wrexham and Shropshire Rail Company

Responsible Visitor Charter

Seven things you can do to help save the planet

Telford & Shropshire are committed to become one of the world’s most eco-friendly destinations, but we need your help. We can all reduce our impact on the environment by making choices. As a visitor you have a very important role to play in helping England conserve its natural assets and become a more sustainable destination.

Here are some ideas on how you can help:

1. Conserve Energy – reduce energy by switching off lights and closing windows if heating is on. The Energy Saving Trust provides information on what you can do at home. www.est.org.uk

2. Give the car a rest – Leave the car behind, if only for a day. Walk, cycle or use public transport. Our staff will happily provide you with advice., www.traveline.org.uk

3. Shop Local – Use local products, they give you a flavour of the area and help support local
communities. We are fortunate to have some fantastic producers of food, drink and arts and crafts. Ask us about local markets or local and regional produce.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Try to avoid overly packaged goods and say no to that extra carrier bag. You can also support us in our efforts to recycle – please ask staff for more details.
www.recyclenow.com

5. Be Water Wise – Please use water wisely. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and adhere to towel policies or other water saving initiatives.

6. Respect nature – Help us to look after the landscape and wildlife by not littering, guarding against fire and using footpaths and cycle-ways responsibly. Ensure you follow the Countryside Code www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

7. Support Green businesses. There are hundreds of businesses in the region trying to reduce their carbon footprints through Green Tourism Business Scheme. Businesses are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold for their efforts to be more sustainable. www.green-business.co.uk

And most importantly have a great time when you are here!

If you feel there is anything else we could be doing to reduce our environmental impact please let us know by email: nita.winkless@southwatereventgroup.com