Mission statement

As an archaeological and heritage organisation, The Vindolanda Trust recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. We will encourage visitors, suppliers, volunteers, and other stakeholders to do the same.

Our Policy aims

We endeavour to:

• Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
• Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
• Incorporate environmental factors into all new building & development projects.
• Increase employee and volunteer awareness and training.

Energy and water

• Seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible.
• Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use.
• Heating will be adjusted with energy consumption in mind.
• The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be considered when purchasing.

Office supplies

• Evaluate if the need can be met in another way.
• Evaluate if renting/sharing is an option before purchasing equipment.
• Evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase.
• Favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
• Reuse and recycle everything we are able to.

Paper

• Minimise the use of paper in the office.
• Reduce packaging as much as possible.
• Seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
• Reuse and recycle all paper where possible.

Transportation

• Reduce the need to travel, restricting to necessity trips only.
• Promote the use of travel alternatives such as e-mail or video/phone conferencing.
• Make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles.
• Future favour ‘green' vehicles and maintain them rigorously to ensure ongoing efficiency.

Maintenance and cleaning

• Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
• Materials used in office refurbishment will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
• Only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.

Monitoring and improvement

• Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
• Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
• Increase employee awareness through training.
• Review this policy and any related business issues at our scheduled management meetings.

Culture

• Aim to retain the Green Tourism Award
• Look to work in partnership with other green businesses and initiatives.
• Encourage and involve staff in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.
• Update this policy at least once annually in consultation with staff, volunteers and other stakeholders where necessary.
• Provide staff with relevant environmental training.
• Work with suppliers, contractors, and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance.
• Use local labour and materials where available to reduce CO2 and help the community.
• Integrate sustainable/environmental impact messages into our marketing materials, social media posts and other public facing material.

Going Green: The Vindolanda Trust Environmental Policy