Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY AT ALDWARK MANOR ESTATE

Here at Aldwark Manor Estate, we recognise that successful sustainability must encompass the four core pillars; social, human, economic, and environmental and commit to preserving the balance between them.

Via alignment to the Energy Efficiency Directive, we commit to reduction of UK carbon emissions & have a net zero aim of 2050. Sustainability underpins all operational delivery decisions with a committed, knowledgeable approach led by selected team ambassadors to maximise efficiencies and minimise our environmental impact.

Aldwark was purchased by Depho Estates in 2019 with the sole aim of restoration and enhancement of this beautiful property to the grandeur planned by Lord Walsingham and his architect in 1752. To date, the refurbishment has uncovered many lost historical artefacts, from the original plasterwork in reception (resulting in a 360-design rethink) to the Conjuring Stone in the grounds.

Working alongside and employing from the local community, prioritising suppliers from the local area, and liaising with charities and non-profit organisations for apprenticeships and produce, we lead from the front in this most important of beliefs.

KEY POLICIES INCLUDE:

Usage of solar-powered external lighting in designated areas and use of LED bulbs
Vehicle charging points for guests and staff
Provision of on-site staff accommodation to minimise travel
Use of own water source
Food waste sent to ferment at a local recycling plant
Supplier food deliveries are “loose” or in cardboard packaging
We have “dropped” the power cables to enhance the vision and installed a new drainage system to allay historical road flooding
SAO water cleaning and Energy Management System
Occupancy sensors to reduce usage of air conditioning and lighting
Bat friendly roofing felt
Reduction of paper through iPad menus / QR reader menus / Procure Wizard
Free and nutritious staff meal provision
Robust recycling programs & waste reduction strategies; Paper-free office; recycled paper for conferences; shreddit for animal bedding; food combustor ; recycling of paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics where possible.
Promote a Green Culture: Foster a culture of sustainability among employees through training & engagement programs that encourage eco-friendly behaviours both at work & at home; DofE scheme;
1000 new trees planted on the estate since 2020, with a further 1000 by 2030
Over 5000 packets of wildflower seeds have been distributed for bee pollination
Our estate gardens grow a selection of herbs, salads, and vegetables, ensuring garden to fork without transportation
Workplace diversity is encouraged with a hands-on commitment to equal opportunities for employment regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Once employed, individual personal development plans are constructed to enable skills growth and career progression with the allocation of a personal mentor throughout.
We partner with community organisations & schools in socio-economically deprived areas to attract candidates from under-represented groups
Encourage & value non-traditional qualifications & life experiences, offering pre-apprenticeship programs
Provide NLW & travel subsidies to remove financial barriers
Our recruitment process is blind, utilising diverse panel members to allay potential recruitment bias.
Nurture a diverse & inclusive workplace; senior-level support for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs); and flexible work policies
We adopt a ‘Ban the Box’ initiative removing discriminatory questions from applications
Green Procurement: We prioritise suppliers & partners who demonstrate strong environmental practices & sustainable sourcing
Community Initiatives: Partner with local communities to support environmental projects, such as tree planting, biodiversity conservation & clean energy initiatives; work with local food banks following on-site supplier engagement luncheons
Commit to transparent reporting of our carbon emissions & progress toward net zero, using frameworks like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
Establish specific, measurable sustainability targets, such as reducing our carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 & achieving net zero by 2050
By integrating these strategies into our delivery & operations, we not only contribute to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions but also lead by example in the transition to a sustainable future.