Sustainability

Reducing our energy use

*The new Cycle Hub building at Okehampton Station, which has an Air Source Heat Pump and underfloor heating combined with good insulation, creating a more sustainable new build.  The solar tunnels add light to the building reducing the need to light the room during the summer.

Ensuring our use of local suppliers

Whilst costs often mean that we can buy produce at a lower cost from one of the large suppliers that have distribution centres some distance from Okehampton, we seek to use, where possible, local suppliers for daily supplies of eggs and milk, local producers for vegetables and meat. We make our own cakes, biscuits and similar goods rather than buy ready-made products.

Increasing our “Free-from” food options

We have sought better signage for our “free-from” menu options, we have folders with information on all allergens for staff and customers and we have added new products increasing the proportion of gluten-free and dairy-free products in cafe.

Increasing our use of renewable energy

We have switched our energy suppliers to one claims to use 100% renewable sources. In the future we plan to add Solar Panels.

An electric car charging point is available

This is at cost to customers at the adjacent building for YHA Okehampton. We are investigating adding a rapid charge point for two parking spaces at the Granite Way Cycle Hub.

Reductions in the % of water usage.

In 2022 we installed a grey water system in the new Cycle Hub building, increasing the level to which we use grey water from the roofs for toilets and cycle washing at Granite Way Cycle Hub and Cafe.

Reducing our waste

We share the arrangements with the Youth Hostel and our waste recycling now exceeds 75% per year.