Sustainability
The evolution of Calvert Lakes
Our Commitment to sustainability
Reaching carbon neutrality takes time, and we’re not there yet. What matters is that we’re doing the hard work now — assessing our footprint, improving efficiency, and putting measures in place that will support a greener, more sustainable Calvert.
Sustainability sits at the heart of how we operate and has done from the very beginning. Across our sites at Calvert Lakes and Calvert Stables, we’re investing in cleaner energy, smarter resource use, and better environmental responsibility. From our heating systems to staff training, our actions contribute to reducing our footprint and protecting our surroundings for the future.
How we are reducing our impact right now
Biomass Boiler
Our offices and the Byres accommodation are heated using a biomass boiler powered by sustainably sourced wood pellets made from sawmill byproducts.
CHP Boiler
We use a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) boiler that converts propane gas into electricity. This system efficiently supports the energy needs for our hydrotherapy pool, Farmhouse accommodation, and other gas‑run facilities, reducing wasted energy and improving overall efficiency. Converting gas to electricity generates heat which is also harnessed to heat the pool.
Right now, this is the most efficient way to power the most demanding areas of our facility although we hope to move towards using greener gases in the near future.
Green Electricity
Since November 2024, our electricity has been sourced from certified green energy providers, lowering our reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.
LED Lighting
LED systems have been installed throughout the sports hall and stables, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs. This upgrade was supported and sponsored by Amentum and through their corporate social responsibility arm, One Aim.
We’re looking forward to continued collaboration as they roll out further LED lighting upgrades across the wider stables setting.
Water & Wastewater
We operate solely on natural spring water with no mains connection, so our water not only tastes great but also harnesses a natural, readily available source.
Our sewage treatment system uses a BioDisc plant for effective grey‑water filtration, processing organic matter through a 3 stage system that allows us to release treated water safely back into watercourses.
Recycling & Waste Management
We have comprehensive recycling processes in place for plastic and cardboard, along with dedicated food‑waste collection that is sent for industrial composting.
In addition to this, single-use plastic items have been removed from daily operations wherever possible, helping us lower plastic waste as we work towards reducing our environmental impact.
Hybrid Working
Flexible, hybrid working patterns reduce daily travel emissions and help lower overall transport impact. Those staff that can, work at home regularly and we encourage lift-sharing where possible.
CBEN Evaluation
Our sustainability efforts have been evaluated by CBEN (Cumbria Business Environment Network). Their assessment supports and validates the environmental improvements we’ve made across the site.
Futureproof Cumbria
We engage Futureproof Cumbria for staff training, awareness, and ongoing sustainability development.
Team members have taken part in carbon‑literacy workshops and staff pledges support practical, everyday changes.
- Commitments to less food waste
- Meat free days
- Choose where pensions are invested
- Investigate energy efficiency at home including insulation and electrical appliance efficiency
- Reduce dependency on gas central heating
by Team Calvert
Our Energy Use
We’ve been tracking our energy use and emissions since November 2024. Our Environment Committee meet regularly to discuss efficiency ideas, analyse usage and monitor plans for improving our sustainability by lessening our impact. The graphs below show our latest energy use and GHG emissions.
Future Plans
We’re committed to continuous improvement and have several projects already planned.
Biogas Transition
We are following Liquid Gas UK’s moves towards 100% green sources.
Net Zero Ambitions
We’re working towards net zero emissions, aligning with regional goals as well as wider national ambitions.
EV Charging
Plans are underway to introduce electric vehicle charging points on-site to support greener transport choices.
Food Sourcing
We’re reviewing food procurement to ensure more sustainable, locally sourced options wherever possible.
Public Transport Support
To encourage low carbon travel, we’re hoping to encourage more guests to arrive by public transport.
