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Solar

During 2023, solar panels were added to the roof of the twin bay workshop building, generating a maximum capacity of 18,500 KWH of electricity annually to service and maintain the boats.

In addition, Stafford Borough Council are currently reviewing our proposal to install a 300kVA ground mounted solar array, located to the east of the site, at the postcode ST15 8QU. The project has potential generating capacity of up to 280,000 KWH per annum which has been specifically designed to not be excessive in size and to generate the optimal amount of electricity to be consumed by the business, with minimal excess to be sent back to the National Grid.

The anticipated CO2 e displacement is around 52.6 tonnes per year, which represents an emission saving equivalent to a reduction of 31 cars on the road every year or 2,416 additional trees planted.

Ecology & Biodiversity

According to the UN, climate change is the ‘defining crisis of our time and it is happening even more quickly than we feared’. We recognise the importance of environmental protection and betterment as part of our commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly.

We have procured independent qualified ecologist advice to measure the biodiversity value of the site and the impact future projects may have. As a result, we have specifically included design enhancements to deliver a net biodiversity gain, consisting of improvements to natural habitats for a range of invertebrates, bees, small mammals, reptiles & birds.

Plans are to enhance the current grassland, introduce an area of woodland and the planting of a varied array of flora and fauna provides suitable habitat & food sources for wildlife throughout the food chain.

Our forthcoming landscaping and planting scheme is estimated to increase the biodiversity of the site by over 55% within 3 years of completion.

Energy Efficiency

In 2023 we installed a total of three air source heat pumps throughout the site. Increasing energy efficiency by an estimated 400% and significantly lowering our fossil fuel consumption in the form of LPG by over 80% per year.

In 2015, we invested in ground source heat pump technology to in our newly constructed wedding & events venue to provide heating and hot water requirements without the aid of additional fuel sources. Since the opening of the venue, we have used solely renewable energy to provide heating and hot water for over 100 events each year.

All lighting on the site has now been successfully replaced with LED equivalents and smart technologies introduced where possible to monitor and control power consumption.
Two out of our three kitchens now run solely on Induction and electric equipment, with plans for our final kitchen to be moved fully electric in 2024. This has reduced our LPG consumption used for catering by an estimated 75%. The kitchens will be predominantly powered by the proposed solar array when operational in late 2024.

Supply Chain

Wherever possible locally sourced meat, free range eggs, bread, milk, cheese, cream, vegetables, fruit, herbs, salads, ice cream, beer, gin, vodka, sparkling wine, oatcakes and crisps are purchased. Our commitment to reducing food miles and supporting local farmers and businesses has been a priority ever since the business commenced trading in March 2010.

When purchasing local products and produce is not a feasible option, we favour suppliers who share a similar ethos to our own by taking a responsible approach to their sustainability, ethical sourcing and reduction of emissions.

Our suppliers

Chartley Coffee

A 100% family owned and run business, roasting and crafting coffee since 1979, currently in its second generation.

We freshly roast to order bespoke coffees from around the world, using a variety of vintage coffee roasters which in the right hands extract the best the beans have to offer.

Certified and audited by The Fairtrade Foundation, Soil Association (Organic) and The Rainforest Alliance. A 5 star rating from EHO. Our coffee is traceable from your bag to the farm.

We supply Aston Marina with its own unique blend of Homduras and Indonesian coffee that is 100% Fairtrade and 100% Arabic beans, which is roasted to order only 7 miles away.

Buttercross Butchers

Our history started as free range pork farmers before we transitioned to butchery means that we have an innate understanding of the connection between welfare and quality of meat.

We’re in the fortunate position that in a lot of circumstances, we can stand in the fields with our primary producers and discuss the product that will be coming through our doors. We’re also big advocates of ‘nose to tail’ eating and invest time into developing products so not a scrap goes to waste.

The nature of local markets means that product is purchased from smaller scale, local farmers and the animals are likely to have been reared no further than 50 miles from our site.

Decarbonisation is a priority. We have undertaken an initial assessment of our carbon emissions using ‘Normative’ software that has given us useful data for Scope 1 & 2 emissions. Consequently, we’re currently working with food industry experts to more accurately measure carbon factors for individual products directly.

Kingfisher

Sourcing fish responsibly is paramount to our business. We passionately believe in promoting the most sustainable products available to us.

Our links with non-governmental organisations such as: Marine Conservation Society, (MCS), International Aquaculture Certification, GAA-BAP and The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) demonstrates our commitment to the view that we need to work within the industry to help develop, market and guide our customers towards sustainable choices and alternatives.

We are also proud to be zero to landfill, with all of our general waste being sent to a material recycling facility, whilst our food waste and fish bi-products are turned into fertiliser.

In addition, to improve our carbon footprint, we recently replaced our fleet of vehicles with Euro VI, 3.5 tonne vans which aim to reduce the levels of harmful emissions including nitrogen oxide, carbon mon-oxide and particulate matter, (soot from diesel engines).

SIXTOWNS

GENIO enables Bros Distillery to operate 70% more efficiently

For several years, two brothers have been working with Genio Distillery Equipment to realise their dream of a sustainable future. As part of this holistic approach, they’ve taken numerous steps to optimise operations and production line results – implementing cutting-edge technology like robust components and algorithm-enabled controls that capture water & heat generated during distillation. Additionally, comfort & energy efficiency is maximised throughout the entire process for maximum performance!
Educational and Entertaining Experience

Delight in an engaging and informative tour of Bros Distillery, broadening your understanding of sustainable practices, distilling techniques, and the art of crafting premium eco-conscious spirits. Participating in their masterclasses further deepens your appreciation for their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the distilling world.

B Corp

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Members commit to positively impact all stakeholders – workers, communities, customers, and our planet.

B Corp Certification is unique because it measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. From supply chain and input materials to charitable giving and employee benefits, B Corp Certification verifies that a business is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Becoming a Certified B Corporation is one of the most rigorous, comprehensive and rewarding processes businesses can undertake. In 2024, Aston Marina started its certification journey with an aim to become B Corp registered by the end of 2025.

EV Charging Points

During 2023, we achieved planning permission to create an electric vehicle car park with 20 new parking spaces and 10 car chargers. Meeting the increasing demand from our customers for charge points.

Work to create the car park has begun and we are awaiting additional power to site from National Grid. The new development aims to offer a range of charging points to suit all the needs of the customer demographic we canvased.

Rapid charge for those who need a fast charge as part of their commute.

Fast charge for those who just want to top up their range whilst enjoying a meal or a drink in our award-winning restaurant.

Slow charge for those who will be staying overnight or for an extended period of time.