Skern Lodge

Sector: Leisure Activities 

Number of employees: 62 

Region of UK: South West   

Summary

Global Action Plan is an environmental charity that focuses on environmental behaviour change and provides planning and advice for SMEs. Their client Skern Lodge recruited the Envision team to help assess energy, water and resource use against good practice and identify where environmental and cost savings could most easily be achieved.  

Background

• Outdoor activity centre set up in 1976 and based in Appledore near Bideford
• Offer activity and development training courses using activities such as climbing, surfing, kayakingCustomers include schools, colleges, corporate clients, individuals and groups
• Turnover of £1.4m

How They Do It

• Carried out a detailed energy audit with review of operational systemsSupported business in drawing up action plan to implement change
• Advice and assistance given on cost-benefits and setting up of waste management and recycling system
• Training provided to support the development of Environment Management System to reduce costs and environmental impact

What Impact It Has

• Estimated savings of £4,500 a year after increasing recycling from 10 to 50%£2,700 a year saved through a 25% reduction in energy costs by installing new boiler system, energy saving light bulbs, timer switches and improving building insulation
• New purchasing system in place to reduce environmental impact of business
• Environmentally friendly products now used for cleaning work

Opportunities for future development

• Possible use of renewable energy by installing solar panels/wind turbinesOption of composting food waste on site to further reduce landfill costs
• Working towards achieving recognised national environmental standards (Environmental Management System BS 8555)

Quote

“We have significantly reduced waste and energy consumption leading to significant financial savings and increased customer satisfaction”  

Sarah Rigby, Office Manager, Skern Lodge