The Granary Environmental Policy

Introduction

We understand that by reducing the impact of our activities it will help towards us building a more sustainable business, using natural resources more wisely and playing our part in supporting the environment.

The Granary has been in business for over 10 years and seen many challenges over that time. We are very conscious of the need to play our part in supporting the global effort to combat climate change and other environmental challenges facing our society, the impacts of which will be felt by all of us. By nations, institutions and individuals reviewing their use of precious natural resources, there is the greatest chance that communities and businesses such as ours can continue to thrive for many generations and centuries to come.

In operating our business, we strive to minimise our impact on the environment. This means constantly seeking opportunities to use resources more efficiently, including how we operate our buildings, work with suppliers and partners to reduce problematic sourcing and packaging, and reducing carbon consumption.

This includes:

• Reducing our underlying energy consumption by 20% since 2015
• Switching to 100% green generated energy for our electricity usage
• Programmes to minimise waste and increase recycling
• Introducing carbon neutral local deliveries
• Sourcing locally where we can, reducing carbon emissions
• Encouraging the use of plant-based milks, loose leaf tea and paper straws
• Through communication and education, encourage our colleagues to support our policy

Saving Energy

For many years we have been striving to reduce our energy consumption. This includes installing energy efficient LED lighting when we refurbishment departments and our buildings, this has contributed to reductions in energy consumption. We are also seeking ways to reduce consumption through improved technology, control systems and colleague communication, education, and training.

Since 2015 we have been able to reduce our underlying energy consumption by 20%. We will continue to strive for further reductions in the future and as equipment and plant is replaced we will use technology and best practice to target more sustainable solutions.

In 2019 we switched to 100% green energy for our electricity usage.

Buying Better

We are very proud to work with a carefully selected range of suppliers and partners across our business that have similar values to us. Our team of buyers work closely with these retail partners to encourage more sustainable and environmentally positive operations. This includes reviewing the ranges and services to understand what initiatives and actions they are taking to be more sustainable. This may include for example using environmentally friendly fabrics, sustainably sourced wood and other natural materials, reducing energy and water usage and waste in manufacturing processes, and reducing problematic packaging.

We are proud to highlight these products which clearly champion sustainability using our ‘Buying Better’ signage across our business.

We encourage customers to think about their purchases carefully, promoting ‘slow’ rather than ‘fast’ fashion for example where pieces are seen as longer term investments rather than throw away garments.

We use local suppliers and service providers wherever possible not only to support our local economy but to reduce carbon emissions associated with delivery and transportation. This is exemplified through our Jarrold Storefolk initiative which highlights and promotes distinctive products from smaller local, artisan businesses.

We have always taken animal welfare seriously and have never sold furs or exotic skins for example.

Our commercial processes are regularly reviewed, including managing our stock and resources carefully so that less goes to waste.

Thoughtful Packaging and Paper

In Spring 2021 we stopped using plastic carrier bags and encouraged customers to use their own bags. The paper bags we do offer come from FSC certified sustainable sources.

The packaging for our online orders use FSC certified mailbags and we reuse as much of the packaging which comes through the business as possible. We used gummed paper tape to seal packages reducing the use of products containing plastic wherever we can.

We look for paper products using recycled materials. Across our business we use toilet paper made from recycled coffee cups, and only use printer/copier paper made from 100% recycled paper.

Type of packaging	Is it from recycled materials?	Can it be recycled?
Boxes	Minimum of 70% recycled materials	Yes, widely recycled with cardboard and paper, as well as 100% compostable
Kraft Paper Mail Bags	FSC certified paper	100% recyclable

 

Type of packaging	Is it from recycled materials?	Can it be recycled?
Unbranded tissue paper	Recycled paper	Biodegrablable and compostable
Clothing bags	LDPE polythene & PP polypropelene	Can be recycled where plastic carrier bags are accepted
Bubble wrap	100% plastic	Not currently - we encourage this to be reused
Paper bubble wrap	FSC certified paper	100% recyclable
Branded tissue	17g MF tissue: Acid free and non-toxic	100% recyclable
Tape	Natural paper and starch	100% recyclable
Void fill: brown paper	35% recycled material	100% recyclable
Void fill: chips	GM free raw materials, made in a low energy process	100% biodegrablable and compostable (EN 13432)
Void fill: other	Mixed materials - reused from the packaging from stock item deliveries	Varies
Invoice paper	Made from PEFC certified paper with silicone patch for address label	Paper part 100% recyclable, silicone part not currently recyclable

_{* The appropriate material will be used depending on the item/s being packed}