Our Ethos
Runway’s End is Hampshire County Council’s first carbon neutral site. We are proud to be working towards becoming increasingly sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Our main aims are:
To reduce the amount of carbon we need to offset by partnering with contractors that have transparent carbon footprints.
To continue to invest in renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly alternatives to resource processing.
To help us achieve these goals, we’ve adapted the site to include:
Solar Panels
Since our solar panels were installed, we’ve generated 37.75 MWh solar power. That’s saved over 5966kg CO2e! In 2024 alone, we generated 8.7 MWh solar power, saving 1801.5 kg CO2e.
Rainwater harvesting system
In 2024, we processed 100% of the water through our site – about 940,000 litres. This means that our output is less than British water standards. So, when you stay at Runway’s End you use less water than you do at most other sites across the UK.
On-site sewage processing
The rainwater harvesting system across our buildings fills water tanks that feed into the water sprinkler system and refill our toilet cisterns after every flush. By reducing the amount of drinkable water we use, we help water companies to save energy.
Biomass boiler
Our biomass boiler heats water using locally sourced wood chips, providing hot water to the whole site and heating radiators to keep the rooms comfortable. All of our wood chips come from within a 40-mile radius of our suppliers in Guildford, and this renewable fuel has a far smaller carbon footprint than gas or oil. The insulated pipes also ensure we can use as much of the energy we produce as possible.
Biodiversity gardens
We’re not just reducing our impact on the climate; we’re giving back to nature too. We recently planted 400 native tree saplings to create a striking natural environment for future generations. As well as providing natural shelter from storms and cover for local wildlife, the root systems will improve soil drainage so burrowing animals can thrive.
Outdoor garden
Our outdoor classroom also has its own wind turbine and energy tracking!
Partnerships
Our site isn’t just used to provide excellent quality eco programmes to schools. We also work with other organisations within our local community and further afield:
Blackwater Valley Scouts
Blackwater Valley Scouts owned the site where Runway’s End is located before it was bought by Hampshire County Council for Hampshire Outdoor Centres. As part of our historic relationship, we still have regular conferences with team leaders and welcome them to use our hall (and secret bar!) weekly. The Blackwater Valley Scouts’ local shop is also at Runway’s End.
Rushmoor Voluntary Services
Rushmoor Voluntary Services (RVS) oversee community events such the Rushmoor Community in Blood competition, which Runway’s End competes in. RVS does great work and we’re looking forward to working more with them in the future.
Rushmoor Borough Council climate action
A new initiative at Rushmoor Borough Council which brings together key stakeholders for climate action in Rushmoor to agree on a climate action plan.
Basingstoke Canal Society
Many of our past instructors have gone on to work for the Basingstoke Canal Society. They manage the canal and oversee its maintenance including the paths, woodlands, and the wildlife who call the canal home. We use the canal every day for watersports, and we couldn’t manage without them.
Wellesley Woodlands, managed by the Land Trust and TCV
Thanks to the Land Trust we’re able to use a huge expanse of Wellesley Woodlands to enhance our environmental delivery. We’re so lucky to be able to take our sessions out into the woodlands. We have organised joint events with them in the past and hope to offer even more in the future.