Across the store we have implemented or are looking at ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint and do our best to help reduce waste and increase our sustainability credentials. Consequently, here are a few of the things we’re doing to make this happen, and are always looking to improve our environment and sustainability.
In 2023 our Inverness store transformed its roof space, taking a big step forward in our sustainability journey to reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency across the business.
Over 300 PV solar modules were installed onto the main garden centre and restaurant roof area, generating up to 100KW per hour. It’s hoped this energy will contribute significantly to the daily requirements of the garden centre, greatly reducing their carbon footprint.
The solar panel implementation will save 24.63 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, the equivalent to planting 1,131 trees. Read the full story HERE.
• With help from our suppliers we are implementing recyclable pots and containers across our outdoor area
• Where possible our bedding plants are sourced as locally as possible ensuring minimum transportation and maximum quality
• We have increased the availability of peat free and organic compost ranges
• Our wood furniture comes from Food Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited sources. This means that it is sourced from responsible, well managed and sustainable forests. Make sure you look out for the FSC logo
• We water all our plants by hand ensuring we have no wastage
• We have a recycle & reuse pot box located in our plant area. Customers can bring pots back or pick up pots for their own growing projects
• We compost all our food waste
• The oil from our kitchen is recycled, which is repurposed for biofuel and animal feed
• All glass bottles are recycled
• We use compost-able straws, coffee cups, juice cups and sandwich/salad cartons
• We only use fair trade tea and coffee, and suppliers who support sustainability
• The heating for our restaurant is recycled from excess heat from our Kitchen
• Our restaurant is part-powered by the solar panels on our restaurant roof
• A wider range of organic feed, fertiliser and pest control ranges has been introduced into the garden centre
• Our range of gardening products with reduced plastic packaging has been increased
• The range of peat free compost available across our stores has been increased, with a predominant focus on this
• We have increased the availability of products with recyclable packaging in our bird care department
• Our foodhall hampers use recyclable bases and fillings
• Pallets from all our deliveries are upcycled
• Each year Simpsons Inverness recycles over 12 tonnes of cardboard and over 3 tonnes of plastic
• Many of the lights across the centre are operated via movement sensors
• All of our team are encouraged to recycle paper and reduce the number of emails that are printed
• We have replaced all the bulbs across the garden centre to LED bulbs
• At Simpsons Garden Centre we believe the best possible products should be used for success in the garden, and we have a duty to our customers to offer them.
• However, we need to be aware of the impact gardeners have on the environment and to balance successful gardening with minimal environmental harm.
• Peat based products offer a tried and tested growing medium at a reasonable price, but can be damaging to the environment through habitat reduction and carbon release.
• It is our intention to promote the use of peat free products by raising awareness of the issues and selling peat replacement products at similar prices to products containing peat.
• We are increasing our range of peat free compost available to customers every year and our team undergo training with our suppliers to ensure they are knowledgeable about peat free compost and can pass this knowledge onto customers.
• It is our intention to educate and not to dictate what the gardener should do.
• Ensuring that all relevant Environmental Legislation and Regulations are applied
• Operating the Business in an environmentally sensitive manner
• Purchasing environmentally friendly materials when appropriate
• Raising the awareness of staff so that everyone is involved
• Reducing Energy Usage by increased Energy Efficiency
• Re-Using or Recycling Waste where possible
• Using raw materials in a manner that reduces waste and transport costs
• We have reduced the amount of plastic in all bouquet orders as well as using recyclable decorative wrap and ribbon
• Use recyclable packaging for all flower deliveries
