Sustainability Policy
We are committed to being a sustainable business and operate in accordance with both our Sustainability Policy and Responsible Sourcing Policy. Highlights of our approach include: hosting charity abseil challenges; using LED lighting throughout the site; avoiding single use plastics where possible; and sourcing locally produced goods and food including clothing, spirits, beer, condiments, preservatives and meat.
Continuum Attractions is passionate about sustainability and we strive to do the right thing for the environment, our communities, our guests and our team. As a tourist attraction operator we recognise that we impact on, and can positively contribute to, achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The goals of particular relevance to our business are as over:
Core principles
Our approach to sustainability is founded on the following core Group principles, which apply to all sites:
- Being an active member of local community – participating in cultural and historical events and attractions, using local producers and supporting local charities with donations in time, money and access to our facilities.
- Providing a supportive, fair and inclusive work environment where individual differences are embraced and team health and wellbeing is paramount. Our wellbeing programme includes an Employee Assistance Programme, mental health first-aiders, the cycle-to-work scheme, the flu jab and discounted gym membership. All team members are paid at least the national living wage.
- Making our attractions accessible to the widest possible range of people as practicable, and offering educational experiences for school children at all our attractions.
- Always protecting the health, safety and data of our guests and team.
- Respecting the environment and seeking to minimise our impact through energy and water efficiency, waste minimisation and recycling, and encouraging low carbon transport to our attractions.
- Avoiding the use of single use plastics where possible and being part of the Refill scheme to encourage and enable the use of refillable water bottles.
- Operating ethically and with integrity. Abiding by the letter and spirit of all relevant legislation, including prohibiting corruption and bribery in all forms, and respecting human rights.
- Being mindful of our supply chain sustainability impacts and implementing a Responsible Sourcing Policy to drive improvements in this area.
- Providing sustainability training for all team members and additional training, education and expert support for relevant roles as necessary.
- Communicating our sustainability approach internally and externally, and proactively seeking feedback on our approach though post-visit customer surveys
Local implementation
Individual attractions are encouraged and supported to implement their own local sustainability initiatives to support the Group principles. At York’s Chocolate Story these include:
- Embracing and contributing to local charity and community events, including York Food Festival and York Chocolate Festival.
- Conducting fundraising activities for local charitable causes such as Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
- Having a trained mental health first aider in the team.
- Supporting a diverse range of visitors with discounts for the visually impaired and free entry for carers.
- Team using crockery and flasks when eating and drinking on site.
- Promoting sustainability through offering reusable canvas bags for our guests to purchase.
- Offering discounted entry to local residents on Sundays.
- Taking part in York’s Residents First event.
- Using cups made from recycled content and that are recyclable.
- Using electronic tickets that avoid the need for printing/paper.
- Transitioning to low energy LED lighting.
- Using chocolate providers aligned to certification schemes that promotes sustainability. One of our suppliers is also a charity that supports people with complex neuro-diverse needs (Arthouse Limited).
Our approach to sustainability is overseen by our Group Operations Director.
We are continually evolving and improving our approach and will review and update this policy at least annually.
Signed by: Stuart Wood
Date: 8th November 2022
York’s Chocolate Story
King’s Square, York YO1 7LD
