Environmental Policy

1. Shirehampton Public Hall Community Association acknowledges that there is a climate and nature crisis, which has an impact on the local community’s wellbeing and on future generations.

2. Material efficiency

2.1. Reduce – we will think about what we buy and how we use it. When we do have to make purchases, we will use suppliers and service providers who adhere to environmentally sustainable ways of operating. For example, when purchasing plants for our garden we will do so from suppliers who put biodiversity first by reducing chemical pesticide use. We will consider buying recycled products or second-hand items where appropriate to do so, and source wood products that carry the Forestry Stewardship Council logo, and goods that are local or fair traded where it makes sense to do so.

2.2 Reuse – where possible, we will look to find a second life for items including paper and other office stationery. We will share tools and resources (such as gardening tools, pinboards/whiteboards etc) where possible between groups to maximise use of existing resources.

2.3 Repair – where something breaks, we will turn to our local repair café or a relevant business to explore a fix.

2.4 Recycle – we will recycle waste using the appropriate bins and where waste cannot be recycled through bins we will seek out a volunteer to dispose of them at the Avonmouth Recycling Centre.

3. Transport

3.1 Staff and volunteers are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport to attend meetings or events on behalf of Shirehampton Public Hall Community Association. Use of public transport or hired bikes/scooters to attend such events will be reimbursed. We recognise that accessibility needs might not always make these options possible, and we would arrange other arrangements such as car sharing or taxi journeys where needed.

3.2 We will continue to provide cycling lock-up facilities at the hall.

4. Building efficiency

4.1 Water – when the opportunity to upgrade toilet facilities arises we will explore solutions that minimise water usage e.g. smaller toilet cisterns, or taps with a lower flow rate or automatic switch off. When funds allow/opportunity arises, we will explore collecting water run-off from the roof, through water butts, for use in the garden.

4.2 Heating and cooling – when funds allow we will continue to upgrade the heating across the building, and ensure the right heating controls are in place for the efficient use of the heating.

4.3 Energy efficiency – we will be transparent about the building’s EPC rating and the measures we are taking to improve it

5. Resilience

5.1. Recognising that extreme temperatures are a consequence of climate change, we will promote our building as a warm/cool building to support the local community during extreme weather events.

6. Nature

6.1. We will adopt nature friendly gardening approaches which minimise pesticide usage, support the conservation of water, and providing

Approval
This document was approved by the Board July 2026