We are committed to pursuing our sustainability goals, and are taking practical steps to build on our strong social and environmental sustainability values and policies. Please read on to learn about how we are trying to embed sustainability into different aspects of our business. We are always striving for best practices, and actively seeking ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Procurement
Whilst following fair procurement, use local suppliers wherever possible for office and catering materials and favour suppliers who pursue environmentally sustainable practices, including fair trade products.
Printing
Recycle paper, card, plastics, bottles, ink cartridges and metal as much as possible
Minimise the use of paper and other office consumables, e.g. by double siding all paper used, identifying opportunities to reduce waste and not printing emails or documents unless really necessary.
Use recycled products where possible and ensure that at least 50% of paper consumption through print is on recycled paper
Office Energy Use
Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, with especial regard to PCs, monitors and electrical heaters
Use LED bulbs or high-efficiency tubes wherever possible
Maintain office temperatures at a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius
Use internet-based forms of marketing e.g. e-bulletins instead of newsletter when appropriate
When purchasing new appliances, consider their energy rating and water efficiency.
The largest proportion of our carbon footprint as shown by the Julie’s Bicycle report is electricity consumption on the Krowji site. For 2019-2020, we produced 71 tonnes of CO2 through electricity consumption. This energy use accounts for all the Krowji tenants as well as CK staff. We currently obtain electricity from four providers Haven, Scottish Power, EDF and SSE, as well as our own solar panels at Krowji, to which the Phase 2 building will have added more. Our electricity consumption for this year will be likely much less given Covid lockdowns and less activity on site, however in future will probably provide slightly higher figures given more tenants with Phase 2.
We have a large number of solar panels installed and operational on the expansive roof of the Percy Williams Building, feeding some of our workshop’s energy needs. 15% of our electricity was supplied via this renewable onsite source 2019-2020.
We have 4 on site electric vehicle charger points.
Our Green Travel Plan is displayed on all of the notice boards throughout the site, both for our tenants and employees. The plan includes the following elements:
Transport
We encourage cycling and public transport as much as possible. Our site in Redruth is well-connect with 2 bus stops on the street adjacent to us, Blowinghouse Hill. Redruth Train Station is a 15 minute walk away, in the centre of Redruth town.
Cycling
We support those who cycle to our studios by providing lockable, covered bike shelters at the rear of the site, along with bike racks and internal storage specifically for tenants cycling equipment. Cycle routes to and from Krowji are highlighted on our Green Travel map on our display boards.
Electric Car Charging
We have 8 on site electric vehicle charger points, which are operated at a fair energy rate policy.
Car Sharing
Two spaces have been reserved for car sharers so far to encourage this practice. .
Ecology surveys and reports have been carried out before, and during our development and construction phases.
Landscaping
We have a landscape maintenance plan to ensure that we maximise the value of habitats within the site and that outdoor areas are maintained to enhance their biodiversity interest. Many of the trees planted at Krowji, although ornamental, are cultivars or native trees chosen for their attributes to provide good foraging, shelter and nesting opportunities for bird species.
Wildlife
Two bat tubes have been installed and six units for birds which nest in association with human habitation have been installed. We use bat-friendly lighting around the exterior of our buildings.
Outdoor Space
We always looking for ways to render our outdoor space usable for staff and tenants with improved and accessible seating, lighting and landscaping/green spaces for their benefit, encouraging them to spend time in fresh air and creating pleasant outdoor social spaces
Recycling at Krowji
Each of the washrooms across all of our buildings have dedicated recycling bins with separation for: Paper and Card, Glass, Compost, and General Waste.
Our Reuse Policy
We keep a store of used furniture and larger structural items that we often allow tenants to use, minimising on new goods brought to site. We have an active group on Facebook that supports lending and trading of furniture and other materials between tenant studios.
Fun Palaces
Open Studios
Cornwall College Residency
CARPET Residency
Time Donations: Bill’s Attic
Work Experience
Tenant Rep System
Creative Kernow
Procurement
Promotion material such as posters to be printed in local print houses, using eco printing processes where possible. Paper used to print materials to have recycled paper content where possible
Event site decorations to be produced in house, using up-cycled materials in creative ways, in collaboration with our artists.
Event entertainment to be sourced from local performers to support the local creative community of Redruth, and to minimise travel for performers and suppliers.
Design for Re-use
We endeavour to only invest in event materials that can be re-used for future events: Site signage and way finding, tenant information.
Stones Krowji Café
