Sustainability & Ecology
As part of our ongoing commitment to minimise the negative impacts of the light trails, Sony engaged a sustainability consult, Hope Solutions, who conducted a full sustainability audit for some of our light trails. The audit included measurement and capture of scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions data so we could fully understand the light trail’s carbon footprint and create a robust framework to monitor, record and implement improvements for future trails.
For 2023, Hope Solutions are conducting a second audit to measure our light trail emissions against the baseline we’ve created to ensure we continue to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint.
Scope 1 – Direct energy emissions from our light trail activities
Scope 2 – Indirect energy emissions from our light trail activities
Scope 3 – Other indirect emissions from our light trail activities
Our three principal areas of focus are Energy & Emissions, Resources & Waste, Impact on Wildlife, and the following light trail activities are all those we capture data for:
- Stationary and mobile combustions of fuels
- Electrical energy purchased
- Purchased goods and services
- Water supply and treatment
- Waste disposal
- Business travel
- Visitor travel
- Contractor freight
We are also reviewing are procurement processes and proactively engaging with our entire supply chain to ensure they recognise and understand their role in supporting our objectives moving forwards.
Beyond emissions, to limit and mitigate the impact of the light trails on local wildlife, independent ecology surveys are conducted for the full route and production footprint. The post-evaluation reports provided then dictate design changes required to either the content and/or route choice, whilst also informing best operational practices in planning the delivery of our light trails.
Our trail designers, Culture Creative, were appointed on the strength of their experience in working in environmentally sensitive ways in heritage and landscape settings.
Steps we are taking
Power Provision & Fuel
- We have been working with our venue partners to remove our reliance on fossil fuels and instead, where possible, are looking to utilise existing mains power infrastructure on site.
- Generator points will be kept to a minimum by efficient use of power loading and low wattage lighting units where appropriate.
- For any generators required on site, we are proud to be running on renewably sourced biofuel instead of diesel – these fuels have been determined to have net zero carbon dioxide emissions.
Food & Beverage
- All single use items are full compostable and bio-degradable, and packaging will be kept to a minimum.
- We strive to source low carbon suppliers who focus on using locally and ethically sourced produce.
Waste Management
- For our Christmas light trail at Dunham Massey, all waste produced is either reused, recycled, composted or sent to energy recovery. No waste goes to landfill.
- We strive to reduce any waste going to landfill and increase recycling on site.
Wildlife Protection
- An independent ecology survey is conducted for the light trail route and production footprint, with post-evaluation reports provided.
- Culture Creative then react accordingly, implementing the design changes required to the proposed content and/or route choice to ensure we mitigate any disturbance to protected areas and species, whilst minimising the impact to all resident wildlife.
- The post-evaluation report also informs us of best operational practices whilst we plan our light trail delivery, build and de-rigging processes.
Carbon Offsetting
- For all Christmas at Blenheim Palace visitors, we offer the chance to offset their carbon emissions they produce by visiting the light trail by donating £5 to plant a tree on the Blenheim estate.
