Environmental policy
Environmental Policy
Purpose
West Yorkshire Print Workshop (WYPW) recognises that our activities have an environmental impact and that we have a responsibility to work sustainably and reduce harm wherever reasonably possible.
This policy outlines our commitment to environmental responsibility across our workshop operations, buildings, programmes, and organisational decision-making.
Our Environmental Commitment
WYPW is committed to embedding environmentally responsible practices into the day-to-day running of the organisation and supporting a culture of shared responsibility among staff, artists, members, volunteers, participants, and visitors.
As a printmaking organisation, we recognise that our activities involve the use of materials, chemicals, water, energy, and transport, all of which contribute to our environmental footprint. We are committed to continually improving our environmental awareness and reducing the impact of our operations over time.
We will:
- comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulatory requirements
- consider environmental impact in organisational and operational decision-making
- encourage sustainable working practices across the organisation
- support environmentally responsible approaches to printmaking where possible
- regularly review and improve our environmental practices and policies
As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, WYPW monitors and reports on aspects of its environmental activity through Julie’s Bicycle. We will continue to use relevant sector guidance, tools, and frameworks to support ongoing environmental awareness and improvement across the organisation.
WYPW recognises the importance of environmental sustainability within the wider cultural sector and aims to support broader sustainable development principles, including those reflected within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, where appropriate to the scale and nature of our organisation.
Key Areas of Environmental Impact
WYPW will seek to reduce environmental impact across the following areas:
Energy and Utilities
- We will aim to reduce unnecessary use of electricity, heating, and water within our workshop, studios, offices, and exhibition spaces.
Materials and Waste
- We will encourage the responsible use of paper, inks, chemicals, packaging, and cleaning materials, and seek to minimise waste wherever possible.
- We will support recycling and appropriate disposal procedures for workshop materials and general waste.
Printmaking Processes and Chemicals
We recognise that traditional printmaking processes can involve environmentally harmful substances and resource-intensive methods.
Where reasonably possible, WYPW will:
- explore safer and lower-impact alternatives
- encourage good studio housekeeping and responsible chemical handling
- reduce unnecessary material waste
- support awareness and encourage the use of sustainable printmaking practices
Travel and Transport
- We will encourage sustainable travel where practical for staff, artists, participants, and audiences, including public transport, lift sharing, walking, and cycling.
Purchasing and Procurement
- Where possible, WYPW will consider environmental impact when purchasing materials, equipment, and services, balancing sustainability, cost, and operational needs.
Responsibilities
Responsibility for implementing this policy is shared across the organisation.
The Director and Management Board hold overall responsibility for monitoring environmental practice and supporting ongoing improvement.
All staff, members, volunteers, studio holders, and workshop users are expected to contribute to environmentally responsible working practices.
Review
This policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains relevant, practical, and appropriate to the scale and activities of the organisation.
Date of last review: May 2026