Environmental sustainability

What is sustainability? Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

NWCP will champion conservation through mass mobilisation; it will enable others to engage with sustainability through examples of its design, construction, infrastructure, landscaping and maintenance. Some illustrations of this are given below.

Procurement

Supplies will be locally-sourced where possible, with 80% purchased from within 50 miles. This includes items such as building materials, fuel and supplies and food stuffs, which will be organic, ethically sourced and free range wherever possible.

Eco building

The designs of all buildings at NWCP have been reviewed to ensure the use of sustainable construction techniques and features.

Where appropriate, buildings will be constructed from sustainable local sources, using natural renewable materials, to reduce transportation and stimulate the local economy. British timber will be used where possible using certification schemes such as The Forest Stewardship Council or other more local suppliers with first class sustainable credentials. All buildings will be situated to accommodate the landscape's existing features.

There will be extensive use of skylights to maximise natural daylight; green roofs to attract native plants and wildlife and absorb rainfall; earthtubes and ventilation stacks to facilitate natural ventilation and cooling.

At NWCP such buildings will be used for animal houses, ranger stations, catering and retail outlets, the animal hospital, education centre and operational facilities.

All animals will be housed and contained in accommodation and paddocks that offer the highest standards of welfare, security and maximum engagement with visitors.

Heating and cooling

Biomass boilers will be run on wood pellets, sourced from the South West. Wherever possible, buildings will be constructed so that the main elevations and windows make the most use of winter sun for heating or shade for cooling in summer.

Transport

Green travel plans have formed an important part of the development of the Park, to enhance existing facilities within the area for non-car travel and to maximise the use of public transport by visitors, corporate visitors and staff.

NWCP will be offering incentives to encourage visitors to travel by coach and other means, such as discounted group booking rates and promoting alternative travel information. This will also include developing links with the nearby Mall shopping centre.

Water

NWCP aims to be self-sufficient in water supply, which will be sourced from an on-site borehole. Measures have been taken throughout the park to conserve water wherever possible. Waterless urinals and compost toilets will enable the production of compost for soil fertiliser.

Waste

An odour-free, in-vessel composter will process all catering, animal and paper/cardboard waste, as well as treating the garden waste from the site. The resulting compost will be used to fertilise the land and paddock areas. All other waste will be sorted and collected separately for recycling or re-use where possible.

NWCP will offer visitors a real experience of the world of active wildlife conservation. It will be a world wildlife reserve at the hub of a global conservation programme and as such will be a living example of sustainability and good conservation practice.