Zippos Circus

Sustainability

Zippos Circus Policy on Sustainable Events

The purpose of all operations of Zippos Circus is to provide entertainment and learning for visitors to our circus, whether these are Corporate Functions or Public Events. Zippos Circus believes that all our circus events are part of the historic traditions of the open spaces in which we operate.

All circus events shall be staged with due regard to the aim of Sustainable Development, in that the company shall seek to preserve scarce natural resources and protect the environment.

It shall further be the aim and intention of Zippos Circus to utilise local suppliers of materials and to share the economic benefits of the project throughout the supply chain, thus adding to the local economy in the area in which the event is staged.

The company has set the ambitious aim of reducing environmental impacts of each and every circus event by 30% by July 2010, 60% by July 2012, and 100% by July 2014. The company recognises that we cannot stop all use of materials and all emissions, however where we cannot achieve full reductions we shall instead offset these to the Gold Offset Standard. Circus grounds require generators to provide power for equipment and these shall be made more efficient as a priority, Circus events often require heaters and these shall be made carbon neutral as a priority with the phasing in of Bio Fuel as research makes this feasible.

Zippos Circus affirms that this policy shall be successful only if it is fully understood and accepted by the Company Directors, Senior Management, and by key staff.

Transport:
The extensive transport fleet of Zippos Circus heavy goods trucks runs on Bio Diesel made only from recycled chip fat. All Bio Diesel used by Zippos Circus is made from recycled chip fat and is sourced from only one UK supplier.

Electricity:
Bio Diesel powered generators normally running from 8am to midnight only. Environmental impact included in the Circus figures above for electricity generated. Electricity at other times is from storage, eg rechargeable battery.

Carbon Offset:
In the year 2000 Zippos Circus planted 2000 Oak acorns. Of these over 500 are surviving and growing as Oak trees at Zippos Circus HQ in Berkshire. In addition a further 2000+ trees, fruit trees and native hedgerows have been planted.

Environmental impact of domestic dwellings on site ie staff caravans:
As well as being a business, the Circus is also a living-place. Each caravan at the Circus as it tours may be considered a "household". In comparison with a fixed dwelling, a recent surveyhas shown the far lighter environmental impact of a caravan-dwelling family as against the impact on resources of a similar family living in a house; caravans are compact and easily-heated, and use far less water and electricity. The circus way of life is inherently environmentally friendly.

Caravan Water useage:
average of 3 gallons / 13.5 litres per person per day, including drinking, washing, and toilet use (recirculating chemical toilets).