Suffolk Libraries plays a major role across Suffolk communities and it is crucial that the organisation acts proactively to tackle climate change.
The very nature of the library service involves ‘recycling’ books and other items which are borrowed many times over but the organisation recognises there is more it can do to reduce its own carbon footprint.
Suffolk Libraries has therefore taken the following steps to ensure its work is more environmentally sustainable:
- Setting up an Environmental Sustainability Focus Group including representation from across the organisation
- Suffolk Libraries is working closely with Suffolk County Council to develop specific projects to make library buildings more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint
- Current suppliers’ environmental credentials have been reviewed and Suffolk Libraries has requested clarity about their environmental aims where necessary
- All libraries are being audited to review the use of materials to ensure wastage is minimised in future
- 10 micro grants have been provided to libraries to enable new green spaces to be created
- The removal of plastic book covers is being trialled to see if books last without additional protection
- New eco wood fibre-based library cards have been sourced which will become available for new library accounts from spring and summer 2022
- Environmental sustainability is now a standing item at Suffolk Libraries Board and SLT meetings and at local staff meetings
- Environmental sustainability is now a category in the quarterly staff recognition awards
- An environmental sustainability training package is now available to staff
- A ‘Suffolk Libraries Environmental Charter’ is being created with Environmental Sustainability Champions recruited to help develop the charter
- Set up monthly events to recognise and showcase small acts that have led to greater environmental sustainability within Suffolk Libraries
Suffolk Libraries will also be working on other projects over the coming months and years to champion environmental sustainability.
