Sustainability Spitfire Visitor Centre

1. Our commitment

The Spitfire Visitor Centre is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. We recognise our responsibility to protect and enhance the environment for the benefit of current and future generations, both locally and globally.
We will apply the principles of sustainable development throughout our operations, ensuring that our activities minimise environmental impact while supporting the long-term resilience and wellbeing of our local community, visitors, staff, volunteers, and the natural environment.

Our sustainability approach is built around reducing our operational impact, protecting biodiversity, improving resource efficiency, enabling our people, and engaging with our audiences

2. Reducing Our Operational Impact

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our day-to-day operations by:

Working towards reducing Carbon emissions when practicable.
Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption through a continuous programme of energy-saving initiatives.
Investing in sustainable technologies and practices where practical.
Supporting and encouraging sustainable public transport options for visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Reducing the consumption of raw and processed materials within our workshops and operations.
Prioritising the “Make do and mend” philosophy through reuse, repair, and maintenance of materials, equipment, and resources wherever possible.
Reducing reliance on non-renewable materials and minimising water consumption.
Reducing waste generation through responsible purchasing, reuse, recycling, and improved waste management practices.
Minimising the use of chemicals in our operations and maintenance activities wherever suitable alternatives are available.

3. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity

We are committed to developing a resilient and environmentally responsible estate by:

Adapting the open spaces and facilities we have to help minimise the impacts of climate change.
To work with the Airport to help maintain and improve natural habitats on the Airfield and supporting rich, diverse landscapes wherever possible.
Using sustainable approaches to landscape maintenance and reducing unnecessary water use.
Considering environmental impact in future developments, projects, and operational decisions.

4. Enabling Our People

We believe sustainability is a shared responsibility and will support our staff and volunteers by:

Meeting all relevant environmental legislation, regulations, and best practice standards, while striving to exceed minimum requirements wherever possible.
Providing sustainability awareness and training to staff and volunteers.
Encouraging sustainable behaviours both within the Visitor Centre and in personal everyday life.
Promoting environmental responsibility within the wider community in which we operate.

5. Engaging With Our Visitors and Community

We will actively communicate our sustainability vision and progress by:

Sharing information about our environmental commitments, actions, and achievements with visitors and the wider public.
Encouraging visitors to make sustainable choices during their visit.
Raising awareness of environmental issues and the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.
Being transparent about our sustainability performance and ongoing improvements