Spike the Carbon!

Spike Island set out to look at ways to reduce their carbon footprint in 2010. What started out as “keeping an eye on their gas and electric”, snowballed into a building-wide campaign to ‘Spike the Carbon’ and get every studio and office switching off!

As a first step they sent out an energy awareness questionnaire; to measure the knowledge and interest on the matter within the building, and engage people in the process. To help with this task, Spike Island joined the 10:10 campaign, and linked up with the West of England Carbon Challenge, seeing the benefits of joining a network locally, with opportunities to share ideas and meet like-minded businesses.

Since Launching ‘Spike the Carbon’ in August 2010 they have got to grips with measuring their footprint (energy, water, waste) and made a number of changes and taken a number of positive steps towards lowering carbon and cutting costs including:

• Implementing an Energy Management Policy and tailored action plan.
• Building energy efficiency and ‘Spike the Carbon’ into the induction procedure for new staff.
• Starting an energy awareness campaign.
• Signing up to a staff cycle to work scheme that allows staff to purchase a bike and accessories through approved retailers.
• Putting in place maintenance agreements for heating equipment and systems (which include servicing, replacing faulty components etc.).
• Addressing the insulation of certain areas of the building.
• Getting design advice on ways to improve the building with a focus on sustainability.
• Cutting down on waste.

They have been successful in initiating a “definite change in behaviour” (e.g. turning off lights) within the building, rationalising their energy supply, and reducing their waste, and have learnt from “what didn’t work”.

Having addressed the quick wins, Spike now plan to make sense of renovations to the fabric of the building, to assist in cutting down bills and energy use through lighting sensors, roof installation and replacement roof lights.

Read more on how Spike Island tackling their carbon in their first 10:10 action year here.