At Grounds we recognise that everything we do can have an effect on the local and global environment. It is our policy to meet and, where practical exceed all relevant regulatory requirements and to minimise any adverse environmental effects caused as a result of our activities or products.

Our Sustainability Officer is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, however all employees have a responsibility in the area to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.

• Comply and exceed where practical with all relevant regulatory requirements
• Continually improve and monitor environmental performance across energy use, products and wastage.
• Continually improve our work with communities
• Increase employee and customer environmental awareness

We will only purchase Energy Efficient equipment with an energy rating A, for use in our stores. Any equipment, heating or lighting not in use must be switched off. We plan our own internal deliveries to maximise fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emission and reduce unnecessary journeys.

All products for sale will be packaged in such a way as to minimise their environmental effects when disposed of. We source wherever possible materials that can be recycled. For example:

• Bio-degradable napkins
• Cornstarch cutlery
• Paper straws
• Recycled Brown Kraft paper bags
• Recyclable coffee cups
• Eco-friendly cleaning materials.

We are committed to reducing waste created by the use of disposable packaging and to ensuring any waste generated can be recycled: Minimising waste by using reusable crockery and cutlery whenever possible. Encouraging the use of reusable take away cups by offering a discount. Providing customers separate clearly marked bins for the recycling of cans & paper. Ensuring that as much packaging from suppliers, as possible, is recycled or reused. Packaging for our own internal delivery of cakes and gelato is reusable and is collected and returned to our kitchens on a weekly basis. Food waste is monitored daily on all sites to minimise excesses. Two streams for food waste are currently being trialled:

• Collection of food waste to go to generate green energy and bio-fertiliser
• Use of third parties apps (Too Good to Go) to distribute unsold food items.

All of our coffee grounds are collected and recycled into fuel for log burning stoves.

We will endeavour to source and use suppliers whose values are aligned to our own.  Our coffee is Rain Forest Alliance certified. Suppliers are also chosen who are regionally local to our network of stores, and who in turn are committed to sourcing raw ingredients locally.

We recognise that our cafés can be important spaces in which communities and groups can thrive for the benefit of many. Our cafe managers are encouraged to build long-term relationships with community groups and residents around their cafés. Engaging with our customers and communities about our environmental initiatives is also vital to their success.

We will implement our policies through staff training and encourage employee involvement in environmental matters at all levels. We will constantly reappraise our working methods to improve our performance.