Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust operates and maintains the Clifton Suspension Bridge using the revenue collected from its tolling operation. The Bridge is located in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As an organisation the Trust is mindful of the importance of making sure that none of its activities damage the unique environment in which the Bridge operates.
The value of the Bridge lies not only in its utility, but also in its status as a Grade I listed heritage structure. The Trust seeks to educate the public about the Avon Gorge and its status as an SSSI through its education and engagement activities as well as through responsible curatorship of the Bridge itself and its historical records and artefacts.
The Trust is committed to promoting environmental sustainability. Concern for the environment and promoting a broader sustainability agenda are integral to the Trust’s activities and the management of the organisation. We aim to follow and promote good environmental sustainability practice, to reduce the environmental impact of all our activities, and to help our partners and visitors to do the same.
The Trust has achieved the Green Tourism Bronze Award. The awards are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice, and are a helping us to progress on our green journey, offering practical advice and support as we work to become more sustainable in every area of our business.
Our Policy
The Trust’s environmental sustainability policy is based upon the following principles:
- To comply with, and exceed where practicable, all applicable legislation, regulations and codes of practice;
- To fully recognise the climate emergency and take appropriate measures to minimise the environmental impact of all the Trust’s activities;
- To integrate sustainability considerations into all the Trust’s decision making processes;
- To ensure that all staff are fully aware of the Trust’s Sustainability Policy and are committed to implementing and improving it;
- To make partners and suppliers aware of the Trust’s Sustainability Policy, and encourage them to adopt sound sustainable management practices;
- To share our environmental sustainability vision with visitors and facilitate their participation in realising that vision;
- To review, annually report, and to continually strive to improve the Trust’s sustainability performance.
Operating the Bridge
In 2023 we published a study on carbon emissions which showed the considerable carbon benefit to the ongoing operation of the Clifton Suspension Bridge compared with replacing it. We consider the environment in all of our project plans, ensuring that relevant environmental clauses are included in all maintenance contracts. When carrying out maintenance activities, we work closely with Natural England and other relevant bodies to preserve and protect the SSSI status of the Avon Gorge. During our day to day operations, we monitor usage of water and renewable energy, our total paper consumption and the percentage of waste recycled, asking suppliers for their environmental policies evidence and of implementation of those policies when selecting them. Wherever possible, we choose products which are recycled, derived from sustainable sources or fairly-traded.
Our Museum
At the Museum, we know that you’re looking for sustainable options too – that’s why we prioritise sustainable transport options for visitors and ensure that crossing the bridge remains free for those of you travelling on foot or by bicycle. We stock products made locally in our shop and work closely with the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project to educate visitors about the surrounding natural environment. The Chapter & Holmes Coffee Kiosk provides good quality, ethically sourced coffees and goods served in recyclable or biodegrable packaging. We also use sustainable materials in our educational workshops – and when we produce paper marketing materials, all of our paper is FSC certified.