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RSPB action!

Find out what we are doing in our offices, visitor centres and nature reserves to reduce, reuse and recycle, and what eco-friendly schemes we can offer you.

RSPB action for energy

  • Reducing energy waste and tackling climate change is high on the agenda for the RSPB - so we offer a number of energy alternatives. RSPB Energy offers electricity from renewable sources as well as gas to customers throughout Britain. It is one of the best British energy schemes to help the wildlife of today and tomorrow. It takes just a few minutes to apply online or to call RSPB Energy, on 0800 028 8552 (free call), and switch over from your current supplier. RSPB Energy will do the rest for you!
  • A substantial solar power system, generating 10.5 kilowatts of electricity, has been installed at our education centre at Rye Meads nature reserve, Hertfordshire.
  • In addition, Goingsolar photovoltaic solar electric systems provide power for visitor centres at six of our other nature reserves. They provide clean power for the reserves and promote our solar package to interested visitors.
  • New buildings inspired by green design, which capture the best of natural light and energy, have been built at Rainham Marshes, Essex and Dungeness, Kent.
  • A zero-energy grass roof and a solar power array grace our education centre at Nagshead, Gloucestershire. Solar-powered electric fences help control stock in three more reserves.
  • All our nature reserves and wardens’ accommodation are powered by RSPB Energy, which provides electricity from renewable sources. Videoconference facilities at our headquarters and regional offices reduce the need for staff to travel, thus cutting carbon emissions.

RSPB action for waste

The amount of waste we create and how we dispose of it directly affects wild spaces. We run projects to raise awareness and encourage people to recycle. Find out how you can help wildlife by recycling.

  • To show our commitment to recycling we have launched a recycling appeal for mobile phones and inkjet cartridges, where you can do the right thing and raise funds for the RSPB at the same time!
  • RSPB shops now offer a variety of wonderful gifts for sale, made from recycled materials. These include mouse mats, notebooks and clocks made from recycled computer circuit boards and recycled plastic.

RSPB action for water

  • We monitor our water use at our headquarters at The Lodge in Bedfordshire. Many of our other offices are shared tenancies and it is not possible to monitor in the same way. In 2003-04, we reduced our use at headquarters by 22% over the previous year. We will be trying to save even more. So far, we’ve achieved savings at UK headquarters by using two rainwater collection systems which supply water for flushing toilets, topping up ponds and watering gardens. 
  • Elsewhere around the UK, water efficiency measures, such as low-flush or dual-flush toilet cisterns, infra-red sensors on urinals, and spray or percussion taps are installed in our offices and visitor centres as part of an ongoing maintenance programme. We have a plan of action to ensure that all RSPB activities, buildings and reserves management are as water efficient as they practically can be.

Last modified: 18 June 2009