We are saving more greenhouse gases than are generated by our nurseries and Head Office after recording another year on year reduction in our carbon footprint – as part of our commitment to be ‘Net Zero’ in our emissions by 2030 – and investment in United Nations-certified carbon reduction projects.
The two United Nations Certified Emission Reduction (UNCER) projects involve the distribution of solar water heaters across India, and a wind farm in the northern state of Rajasthan, which replace use of fossil fuel-generated grid electricity while also providing employment opportunities for local communities there.
The savings total 6,500 tCo2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) effectively wiping out our verified carbon footprint of 5,903 tCO2e and creates a ‘credit’ to account for unknowns.
Electricity produced from renewable sources produces zero carbon emissions. Childbase Green Electricity use for 2019/2020 alone was 1,465,953 KWh – that is 0.23314 kg CO2 saved for each kWh produced from a carbon-free source. ‘Green electricity’ feeds the grid which powers our operations so we include a share of the carbon generated by the use of non-renewable sources in our carbon footprint.
The first Early years provider to complete a full scale, year-long energy use and emissions measuring exercise – in 2018 by external specialist Planet Mark – to establish a carbon footprint for each setting and publish the results alongside a commitment to achieve NetZeroby30.
You can view our Acre of Rainforest Certificate here
An acre of the world’s most endangered rainforest in Ashaninka, Northern Peru, home to 2,960 indigenous peoples and 22 endangered species protected to offset emissions by 260 tCO2e.(2019)
Over 2,000 trees planted, one for each current employee and a commitment to plant one for every new recruit.
Over 750,000kg diverted in the 18 months to June 2021 alone via Anaerobic Digestion and Material Reclamation Facilities with non-recyclable materials used in Energy from Waste processes to power hospitals or boost the National Electricity Grid.
Over one million nappies a year weighing over 216 tonnes collected and sorted by specialists. Each tonne of nappy waste diverted from landfill saves 536kg of co2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
All of our nurseries hold Eco-Schools ‘Green Flags’ for exceptional environmental awareness and conservation. A total of 16 nurseries attained a second consecutive Green Flag – making Childbase the largest Early Years leader in this programme.
Read more about the Eco-Schools programme here.
Plant-rich menus include ‘meat-free’ days to reduce carbon emissions and all food is ethically and sustainably sourced.
The ‘Food for Life Served Here’ Silver Award recognizes an approach to nutrition which goes much further than the high-quality meals and snacks served in nursery, as children are also learning about the foods that support healthy growth and development.
Other initiatives include: a ‘Cycle to Work’ programme offering colleagues in all settings savings on bike and safety accessory purchases of between 32% and 42%, and a programme of LED lighting replacement in all settings.
We prioritise the importance of outdoor play at Cedars Day Nursery in Leighton Buzzard. All children at our Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery have access to our large, natural garden area on a daily basis as we recognise the impact that being outdoors has on a child’s social, emotional and physical development. The children enjoy planting vegetables and tasting their produce, served by our dedicated Nursery Chef.
Cedars Day Nursery, Mentmore Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2PA
Tel: 01525 850200
Email: cedars.nursery@childbase.com
