Environmental and Ethical Advisory Group Update – June 2023
The Carbon Survey
A free Carbon Survey, sponsored by the West of England Combined Authority, was completed in November 2022 and a Decarbonisation Report was received late February. There were three main actions identified as having the greatest potential to save energy and carbon. These are:
1. Replacement of all lights with LEDs.
2. Installation of roof insulation (considered inadequate).
3. Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Panels on the roof.
There were several other energy-saving suggestions, some of which would be easy to install and inexpensive.
LED lighting in the Clubhouse
The Club is well on its way to achieve the first main action from the Decarbonisation Report. The switch over to 100% LED lighting in the Clubhouse will be completed in the coming weeks. Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR) are now installed in the upstairs toilets, cellar and changing rooms. PIRs detect when an area is unoccupied and switch lights off automatically.
Recycaball is back!
Last year we started to collect used tennis balls in the bin by the front door of the Club to send to Recycaball. This involves sorting and sending off better-quality balls. This was stopped a few months ago due to the time involved in sifting through the tennis balls. It has now been decided to restart the scheme. Please put your used tennis balls in the bin by the front door. They will be sent to Recycaball who will process, grade, repackage and redistribute reconditioned balls. Those that don’t meet the standard are sent to animal shelters, dog kennels and dog clubs. The Club is paid £37.50 for a full sack of tennis balls. Every little helps!
Recycling
Recycling bins have been removed from the courts and are now to be found at the front of the clubhouse. The recycling bins are for plastics, cans and cardboard. Please do not place glass in the recycling or general waste bins. Any used glassware should be returned to the bar. Thank you for your cooperation.
We need to talk about water!
Water bills are predicted to rise by 7.5% in England and Wales (https://www.water.org.uk/). Also, the cost of stopping the dumping sewage into the UKs rivers and seas is expected to be passed on to customers (Ending sewage dumping will mean higher water bills – report – BBC News).
The Club is on a water meter and is already saving thousands of litres of water per year by introducing simple measures such as cistern displacement devices in the toilets. Water butts are waiting to be installed to capture and use rainwater for the planters. The reduction of water use in showers and waterless urinals is being investigated. We can all do our bit by taking care to turn off taps and not leaving showers running!
Wildlife Hedge
This native wildlife hedge was planted on the raised bank adjacent to court 8 back in February. The hedge included hazel, dog rose, dogwood, wild privet, guelderrose, spindle and hawthorn and provides a fantastic shelter for birds, mammals, and insect pollinators. As you can see in the image, we are pleased to report that all saplings have survived and are bursting into leaf and blossom. However, the plants will need watering in drought conditions. Redland Green Community Group (RGCG) and Redland Church have allowed access to water from Redland Church Hall so none will be used from the Club.
Phase 2 will be to establish a wildflower meadow on the remainder of the bank. A one metre gap around the courts will be kept clear of vegetation to prevent any weed invasion. Support and guidance will be provided by Julie Parker from RGCG
