Green Gauge

The ethical and environmental status of each business is rated using our specifically developed GREEN GAUGE of ten guiding measures for a healthier planet (see below for explanations). We rank according to the business's level of greeness, indicated by the number appearing beside the icon. Each area ticked merits a score of one point, therefore the higher the number the greener the business.

Local and Sustainable Food
Do you source seasonal, local and/or organic produce, do you grow your own produce?

Water Conservation
Do you use water efficient appliances, collect rainwater, utilise grey water, source your own water?

Sustainable Materials
Do you use renewable and/or recycled materials, make your own products, use or sell locally made or UK made products?

Sustainable Transport
Do you strive to substitute car travel with public or even no transport (e.g. video conferencing)? Are you a member of a car club? If you own a vehicle is it a hybrid/electric/biodiesel? Do you subscribe to a carbon credit/offset scheme?

Carbon Reduction
Do you strive to be energy efficient; buy energy through a 'green' tariff, use energy efficient light bulbs, work/live in well insulated premises, turn heating thermostats down by 1°C?

Culture & Heritage
Do you preserve, revive or promote local traditions, culture or agriculture?

Diversity and Fair Trade
Do you pay a fair wage, offer equal opportunity to all, and support fair trade here and abroad?

Ethical Finance
Do you bank and/or save with an ethical bank, do you donate to charity?

Waste Reduction
Do you recycle paper, cans and glass, ink cartridges, compost waste; re-use as much as you can like plastic bags, cardboard boxes, packaging, fabrics; reduce junk mail, print double sided, avoid disposable items; buy recycled office materials, refuse sacks?

Corporate Policy
Do you have written and enforced policy on any of the above areas?