We are well on the way to Net Zero.
As a recently fully refurbished venue, we’ve been able to embed a lot of our sustainability and environmental policies into our everyday; from solar panels, bees and lighting, to the huge strides we’re making to reduce and recycle waste.
Fairfield Halls has been hosting Croydon’s showstopping events since the 1960s. As Croydon’s leading event venue we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We constantly look for ways to work with customers and suppliers to create a positive impact on our local environment and the communities, customers, business partners and employees we’re accountable to.
To ensure that legacy continues for future communities, we take an informed and measured approach to the environmental, economic and social impact of any green initiatives we adopt.
To do this, we have set ourselves some goals. Find out more below:
GOAL 1 - MINIMISE WASTE
We get regular reports to help us reduce waste and monitor our recycling levels. We use an online portal to track the stats, make improvements, and compare year on year and month by month.
WE’RE ON A ROLL
We have lots of toilets so by replacing standard rolls with a more sustainable option we have cut emissions, labour hours and maintenance.
Swapping standard rolls for 2-ply dispensers has made a massive saving. We spend less because the paper goes further so we buy and replace less. We have fewer blockages to fix and fewer deliveries, helping to reduce supplier’s carbon emissions.
GOAL 2 – IMPROVE RECYCLING
TEAM RECYCLE
Our team has their own recycling and general waste bins – clearly labelled and regularly emptied. Bringing single-use plastic into the venues is discouraged and we provide washing up supplies to enable rinse and recycle.
CUPS, CUTLERY, PAPER & GLASS GET RECYCLED
We see thousands of people come through our doors each week. Whether they come to perform, relax, network, learn, run workshops or host, refreshments are a key part of their experience. So reusable or recyclable utensils are a must.
All our cups and utensils are recyclable. We use a range of plant-based, compostable catering Vegware disposables for hot and cold food. Everything, from double wall hot cups, made from sustainably sourced board with plant-based PLA lining, to strong but light cold cups and tubs.
There are plenty of recycling points around the venue – clearly labelled and regularly emptied - in our foyer, corridors, service areas, hireable halls, ancillary spaces and backstage for employees, performers, speakers, technicians and event organisers.
WE REDUCE & RECYCLE PAPER
We use tech where we can to reduce our reliance on paper, printers and ink. Whether that’s completing mandatory tasks and admin, health and safety, general checks and communication.
We still print brochures, posters and leaflets to tell people about the great events we have on, but encourage recycling and ensure there are plenty of recyclable bins in our foyers and corridors.
RECYCLING GLASS
We serve drinks in recyclable cups from our bars, and recycle all bottles and glass
RECYCLING BINS IN TOILETS
The toilets have hand-dryers not hand towels and well-marked recycling bins, which means less paper waste.
GOAL 3 – IMPROVE BIODIVERSITY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our rooftop is currently home to beehives. Thanks to the support, training and ongoing care from Keith at Croydon’s Beekeeping Association we have some very happy bees.
Keith comes in weekly to maintain the beehives and organises the occasional talk for the team.
Everyone loves hearing about the bees, why our Croydon rooftop is such a good location and what it means to have bees in our community.
WHAT'S NEXT...
We are looking at community outreach programmes, educational events, running site visits and talks for community groups and school groups. Watch this space!
BUILD ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
We’re inviting local charities to come and talk to us about the local environment. We’re already linked with charities to ensure we dispose of lost property and disused equipment.
GOAL 4 – CUT ENERGY USE
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Most of our venue lighting is LED, and we're working towards upgrading the rest of it.
We avoid wasting energy wherever we can. To avoid lighting empty spaces and wasting energy we use using timers, automatic controls, occupancy and motion sensors.
RUN ON RENEWABLES
All our electricity is generated from 100% renewable sources.
The solar panels on our roof have, so far, contributed 77,300 kWh of our total energy usage. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
CO2 emissions ⬇️ 23%
Our CO2 emissions have dropped from 444 tonnes to 343 tonnes in the last 3 years.
A reduction of (almost) 23%. And that’s just the start!
OPTIMISE VENTILATION
Occupied spaces are fully air-conditioned, ventilated and controlled by a robust Building Management System. So it’s on when we need it and off when we don’t.
WHAT'S NEXT...
WATER SAVINGS
We are currently refurbishing our changing rooms with modern fittings to save on water consumption
CUTTING THE CARBON COMMUTE
We already operate a ‘cycle to work’ scheme, but we’re planning to install secure bike racks to encourage our team to commute by bike. We’re also keen to chat to local bike/scooter hire companies about establishing a collection point nearby – so our visitors have the option to cycle or scoot to Fairfield rather than drive.
GOAL 5 - SOURCE LOCALLY
We source locally where possible. Choosing to work with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.
THE BEST CUP OF COFFEE
We buy our coffee beans from 80 Stone. Croydon’s own specialist coffee roasters. Independent coffee suppliers who source ethically and roast fresh, delivering in plant-based bags.
They use practical, earth-friendly methods in every aspect of their business. They believe being eco-friendly is something they practice daily. Taking small, sensible steps every day to meet their eco-goals and do good in the coffee industry.
“Our 250g and 1Kg bags are created from plants and are certified compostable (just take off the labels). When seeking sustainable options for our coffee bags, using recyclable plastic was one possibility, but we opted for plant based compostable materials as a more environmentally friendly choice to minimise the production of new plastic.” (Source: 80 Stone website)
EARTH FRIENDLY TOILET ROLL
We source our toilet roll from a trusted commercial supplier who works hard to source earth friendly products. They are committed to promoting sustainable packaging solutions, reducing waste, conserving resources to minimise greenhouse gases and protecting natural habitats.
“Sustainable packaging is more than just a buzzword; it's a critical part of the movement toward a more environmentally responsible and sustainable future.” (Source: DCS website)
WHAT'S NEXT...
SUPPLIER’S GREEN CREDENTIALS
It’s important that where possible, we continue to work with suppliers who share our standards of excellence and sustainability. We are actively looking at cutting our carbon miles by ordering regularly from trusted suppliers located nearby.
We are in the planning stages of setting up a Green Agreement for our suppliers, whereby they share their green credentials and agree to follow sustainable practices when supplying our products and services.
