Sustainability Strategy

We aim to conserve energy by choosing low-temperature clays and glazes. Our classes aim to promote an understanding of the implication of ill-considered practice in the production of ceramics.

Where possible, we choose an energy provider that sources energy mostly from renewable energy sources. We monitor their green energy usage and their sustainability strategy to reduce their carbon footprint.

We are located with a 5 minute walk of the local bus service and within 20 minutes of the national rail network. There is a cycle rack for safe parking of bicycles and a public footpath network within 2 minutes access allowing easy and safe pedestrian access to The Clay Yard.

We aim to engage a practice that uses where possible, the clays that are quarried and manufactured in the South West. We hope that this will enable us to reduce our carbon footprint by lessening the use of transport systems to deliver our products to The Clay Yard.

The Clay Yard premises are at ground-level, providing safe and easy access. We routinely assess our accessibility for those with mobility issues, the hard-of-hearing and those with visual impairments.

We aim to develop an environment which is stress-free and is considerate of all users. We actively engage with care providers to assess and revise our provision to best suit the needs of our users.

We aim to source sustainable and ethical materials Food-safe glaze components that have minimal impact on the environment..

We are constantly reviewing our prices to enable better access to our services. We are routinely reviewing our programme for those who are disadvantaged financially and are seeking funding to offer places for those from deprived areas or who have financially difficult backgrounds.

We aim to implement a programme that provides those who are under-represented to engage with the arts.

We believe that active participation in the art of making improves understanding of process and reduces ill-considered and wasteful consumerism.

We aim to enable and empower our users with the transferable skills of resilience, creative problem-solving, cooperation and collaboration. We aim to develop a relationship with the Transition Town movement and explore the potential for community skills sharing.

We are preparing for the implementation of an Apprenticeship programme and will be working to engage with those on the fringe of society to provide opportunities for future employment.

We aim to work with employers to ensure that they have the opportunity to support the development of a resilient and creative workforce. We aim to be a pipeline for future employees who offer a creative and committed approach to their working life.