|
 The Jim Ruby Award was added during 2005 in memory
of one of the founders of the Green Island Awards.
Jim had a major passion for the Isle of Wight and
all things sustainable and spent the last few years
of his life driving forward issues relating to tourism,
transport and in particular the prosperity of his
home town of Ventnor.
The Green Island Partnership wanted to create an
award that reflected Jim's long-term commitment and
passion for sustainable development, thus the award
is given annually to businesses/individuals who we
believe deserve recognition for their long-term commitment
and passion for sustainable tourism.
Since the Chaucer family took over in 2000, Calbourne
Water Mill has managed to combine the traditional
with the future through its on-site museums, displays
and activities. The new straw bale barn with recycled
tyre roofing (Suitably adorned with the three little
pigs) houses an extensive renewable energy library
and display for use by the public. The posters and
information on renewable energy give the visiting
public a chance to find out a bit more about this
source of what might be considered the energy of
the future.
As well as the RE library, the site also uses many
forms of renewable energy, from PV cells and wind
turbines to power the external lighting, to the 1000
year old hydro power running the flour mill.
To reduce seasonal only work, the café now
remains open all year, offering a variety of home
cooked, locally produced foods. Links have been made
to other Island businesses such as Ventnor Brewery
through a trade exchange, offering their goods in
return for them offering Calbourne flour. Baked goods
and bags of flour are sold at the Farmers Market.
The site is opened up to local charities several
times a year for fund raising and increased awareness.
There are also good links with local community groups,
such as West Wight Sports Centre, Yarmouth Primary
School and the West Wight Project.
Use of the site has been extended to a camping site
and planning permission has been recently granted
to create eco-units for self-catering holiday lets.
Overall Calbourne Water Mill has displayed a long-term
commitment to the development of a more sustainable
business and wider tourism industry on the Island.
They have always been willing to try new ideas, support
new projects & initiatives and have an all-round
passion for all-things sustainable.
• PV, Wind & Hydro renewable energy
generated onsite
• Wildlife management
throughout site
• Traditional & recycled
construction materials used
• Site used
for charity fund raising events
• On-site
renewable energy centre offering information and
displays
• Local produce used at café
• Café open
all year to maintain staff employment out of season
• Involvement
with local community groups
• Reduced entry
fee for cyclists
• Trade exchange established
with other Island businesses
Auditors Comment;
"Calbourne Mill manages to incorporate
its historical significance with an effective approach
to future needs. The Renewable Energy library in
the straw barn is a vital source of information for
the converted and the sceptical. The proprietors
have shown what can be achieved and incorporated
into running a sustainable business within its local
community."
 VIEW
BUSINESS
|
