Set in the Chumleigh Gardens area of Burgess Park 1st Place prides itself on being one of the first ‘Green Start’ Children’s Centres in the country. Green Start is the term we use at 1st Place to describe our sustainable approach. We are very privileged to have a site in the Chumleigh Gardens area of Burgess Park and we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. The building itself has been designed to provide a model of environmental sustainability, waste minimisation and energy efficiency, not only in construction but also in maintenance and operation.
Key features of this include:
- All the materials used within the centre are environmentally friendly for example the bricks you see on the entrance wall of 1st Place are offcuts from quarries.
- Solar panels on the roof generate energy which is used within the centre. We are also able to return some energy to the National Grid.
- A bicycle park
- A commitment to recycling
- Outside spaces where children and parents and volunteers can learn about growing plants, including fruit and vegetables.
1st Place promotes a healthy lifestyle approach. All meals are freshly made using ingredients that, whenever practicable are sourced locally. We also promote and use environmentally friendly nappies.
Within 1st Place itself we have employed an Environmental Educator who provides a strategic and operational lead on our Green Start policy. We also have a Gardener who provides an expert focus on the use of our beautiful outside areas. As part of the Community Development team at 1st Place they are responsible for delivering a programme of training on sustainability and gardening to 1st Place staff and families as well as to our local link schools and early years services.