We believe it is our responsibility – as a business and as individuals – to reduce our demand on the planet’s resources. We believe it is possible for humans to live harmoniously with the planet and other species. As a business, we are committed to preserving our rock faces and the planet, promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices and addressing social inequalities. Whether this is through supporting organisations such as the Dorset Bolt Fund, striving towards carbon neutral operations, investing in a permaculture garden and vegetarian café or partnering with ethical, sustainable suppliers. By setting an example, we aim to inspire action in the community and across the climbing industry.

This commitment does not come without its hurdles. As a grade II* listed building there are strict restrictions on tampering with the building fabric, which pose additional challenges in becoming energy efficient. Over the years, we have implemented a number of smart systems, specifically designed to capitalise on the Castle’s unique architecture. We’ve even won awards for our efforts! You can learn more about our developments here or on your way up to the Loft.

This 30 minute video on the work we've been doing may help you to inspire you and help you get started.

Read our 2018 Sustainability Report for a detailed review of our sustainability practices. 

Castle Climbing Centre: an Ethical Overview from Dizzy Spell Films on Vimeo.

Our objectives, which we aim to achieve by 2030, are to:

• Minimise our carbon emissions from all sources and generate as much of our own energy as is reasonably practical;
• Put in place systems to water the garden without using mains water and minimise our use of mains water throughout the rest of the centre;
• Regulate the environment within the building (temperature, ventilation and lighting) with the least amount of energy;
• Increase community engagement and health and well-being in the permaculture-based garden with volunteer and traineeship schemes, community events and produce supplied to the Vegetarian Café and Shop;
• Increase community engagement and access to climbing for all through programmes such as Inclusive Climbing and events.
• Reduce the environmental impact of transport associated with the business;
• Actively encourage our customers and staff to reduce their own environmental impacts through awareness campaigns;
• Source all of our supplies from companies with high environmental standards;
• Send zero waste to landfill; and
• Eliminate the use of toxic substances in our cleaning and maintenance processes.

We’re making significant progress on all of these objectives which you can read about in our Annual Environmental Reports.