KHWG Sustainability Statement

Introduction

Since its inception, the garden has always considered the environment in the choices made, with organic gardening, ethical banking, promoting active travel etc.at the heart of all decision making.
In 2022, the Trustees of KHWG have made it one of their main objectives to adopt London Borough of Islington’s goal of net zero carbon by 2030. To this end, we are reviewing how to achieve this, how this might be measured, and what interim goals might be set, in order to meet this goal.
The above graphic shows the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) as set in 2015. Of these, it was felt that no. 13, Climate Action, is the most relevant to KHWG, both in terms of monitoring and making measurable and meaningful change.
By addressing Climate Action, the garden will also be supporting many of the other goals, especially Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Partnerships for the Goals, etc.

Proposed Actions to achieve the Garden’s Sustainability Objectives

1. Analysis of the garden’s current carbon emissions
2. Once these have been calculated, we will be able to consider the main steps to be taken to achieve net zero by 2030, and defining interim milestones enroute
3. To continue to follow best practice, as we already are in many areas, but also to interrogate these, as information changes.

Analysis of our current Carbon Emissions

There are various tools available to help estimate this, eg: https://cat.org.uk/info-resources/free-information-service/green-living/carbon-calculators-ecological-footprints/
The analysis can in part be done by each of the garden teams, Bees, greenhouse, trees, maintenance, workshops etc.

Examples of things to consider and take into account:

– Consideration of the wide impact, e.g. including the supply chain.
– Purchasing, reusing, recycling and waste disposal. Consideration of a circular economy
– Transport. How deliveries are made, how Members travel to the garden
– Can we do anything regarding electricity supply?
– Conservation of water
– Use of positive carbon capture (by e.g. use of appropriate planting etc)