Environmental and Sustainability Policy

Last Updated: 1st May 2026

​

1. Policy Statement

Creative Media Skills Institute (CMSI) recognises its responsibility to minimise the environmental impact of its activities and to promote sustainable practices throughout its operations, teaching, learning, and wider activities. CMSI is committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner and to continually improving its sustainability performance.

As a creative media education and training organisation operating at Pinewood Studios and working in academic partnership with Capital City College, CMSI recognises the importance of embedding environmental awareness and sustainability into its organisational culture and, where appropriate, into its teaching and learning activities.

CMSI will seek to:

·Reduce waste and unnecessary consumption

·Reduce energy and water consumption

·Minimise carbon emissions associated with its activities

·Promote responsible use of resources

·Reduce unnecessary printing and paper use

·Encourage sustainable travel where practicable

·Promote responsible procurement

·Consider environmental impacts when planning activities and events

·Encourage the reuse, repair, and recycling of equipment and materials

·Support environmental awareness among staff, tutors, students, and learners

·Comply with applicable environmental legislation and relevant requirements

·Work collaboratively with Capital City College and other relevant partners where appropriate

·Continually review and improve its environmental and sustainability practices

CMSI recognises that sustainability is a shared responsibility and will encourage all members of its community to contribute to reducing environmental impact.

2. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

·Establish CMSI's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability

·Reduce the environmental impact of CMSI's operations and activities

·Promote efficient use of energy, water, materials, and other resources

·Reduce waste and increase reuse and recycling

·Encourage responsible procurement and supplier practices

·Promote sustainable travel and transport where reasonably practicable

·Reduce unnecessary paper use and support digital working

·Encourage environmentally responsible use of creative media equipment and resources

·Promote sustainability awareness among staff, tutors, students, and learners

·Support relevant academic partnership and quality assurance expectations

·Provide a framework for continuous environmental improvement

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

·CMSI directors and management

·Employees and workers

·Freelance tutors and visiting lecturers

·Students and learners

·Contractors and consultants

·Suppliers and service providers

·Volunteers and work-placement personnel

·Visitors and guests

It applies to CMSI-controlled activities and operations, including:

·Teaching and learning

·Creative media production activities

·Use of equipment and technology

·Office and administrative activities

·Events and productions

·Procurement and purchasing

·Travel and transport

·Waste management

·Energy and water use

·Use of paper and other materials

·Equipment management

·Off-site activities where CMSI has responsibility

Where CMSI operates within facilities managed by Pinewood Studios or another third party, CMSI will comply with relevant site environmental policies and requirements and will cooperate with the relevant facilities management arrangements.

4. CMSI Responsibilities

CMSI will:

·Promote environmental responsibility throughout its operations

·Comply with applicable environmental legislation and relevant contractual requirements

·Identify significant environmental impacts associated with CMSI activities

·Seek to reduce waste and unnecessary consumption

·Encourage energy and water efficiency

·Promote responsible purchasing

·Consider sustainability when procuring goods and services

·Encourage reuse, repair, recycling, and responsible disposal

·Promote digital working where appropriate

·Reduce unnecessary printing

·Encourage sustainable travel where practicable

·Consider environmental factors when planning activities and events

·Provide appropriate information and awareness to staff, tutors, and students

·Monitor environmental performance where proportionate and practicable

·Review and improve sustainability practices

·Cooperate with Capital City College on relevant sustainability and environmental initiatives where appropriate

CMSI will seek to ensure that environmental considerations are proportionate to the size and nature of its activities and that sustainability measures are practical and achievable.

5. Individual Responsibilities

All individuals covered by this policy are expected to:

·Act responsibly towards the environment

·Avoid unnecessary waste

·Use energy and water responsibly

·Switch off equipment when it is no longer required, where safe and appropriate

·Use heating, lighting, and air conditioning responsibly

·Reduce unnecessary printing

·Use digital documents wherever appropriate

·Reuse materials where practicable

·Dispose of waste in appropriate recycling or waste facilities

·Look after CMSI equipment and resources

·Report environmental concerns or significant issues

·Follow relevant environmental requirements at Pinewood Studios and other locations

·Consider the environmental impact of travel and activities

Staff, tutors, and students involved in creative media activities should consider the environmental impact of equipment, materials, production activities, transport, and waste.

6. Energy and Carbon Reduction

CMSI recognises that energy consumption contributes to environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

CMSI will seek to reduce unnecessary energy consumption by:

·Switching off lights when areas are not in use, where appropriate

·Switching off computers, monitors, equipment, and other electrical devices when not required

·Using energy-efficient equipment where reasonably practicable

·Avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling

·Using energy-efficient lighting where available

·Encouraging responsible use of production and technical equipment

·Supporting digital working to reduce unnecessary physical resources

·Considering energy efficiency when purchasing or replacing equipment

Where CMSI operates within premises managed by another organisation, CMSI will support relevant building and facilities management initiatives where appropriate. CMSI may monitor energy use where reliable information is available and proportionate to its operations.

7. Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling

CMSI is committed to reducing the amount of waste generated through its activities. CMSI will seek to apply the following principles:

·Avoid unnecessary consumption

·Reduce the amount of materials used

·Reuse materials and equipment where practicable

·Repair equipment where appropriate

·Recycle materials wherever suitable facilities are available

·Dispose of residual waste responsibly

CMSI will encourage:

·Appropriate recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics, and other recyclable materials

·Reuse of production and teaching materials

·Responsible disposal of electronic equipment

·Reduction of single-use items where practicable

·Digital distribution of documents where appropriate

·Careful planning of events and productions to reduce waste

​

Creative media activities can generate specialist waste, including materials used for sets, props, costumes, packaging, and technical equipment. Where applicable, CMSI will encourage the reuse, donation, recycling, or responsible disposal of these materials.

8. Paper and Digital Working

CMSI recognises that reducing paper consumption can support both environmental sustainability and efficient working practices. CMSI will encourage:

·Digital distribution of documents

·Electronic submission of work where appropriate

·Digital record keeping

·Electronic communication

·Printing only when necessary

·Double-sided printing where appropriate

·Reuse of paper where suitable

·Responsible recycling of paper

CMSI will balance environmental considerations with legal, academic, accessibility, safeguarding, and operational requirements.

9. Sustainable Procurement

CMSI will consider environmental and sustainability factors when purchasing goods and services where reasonably practicable.

Where appropriate, CMSI may consider:

·Product durability and expected lifespan

·Repairability

·Reusability

·Recycled or sustainable materials

·Energy efficiency

·Packaging

·Transport and delivery requirements

·Supplier environmental practices

·Total lifecycle costs

·Opportunities to reduce waste

CMSI will seek to avoid unnecessary purchases and will consider whether existing equipment or resources can be reused before purchasing new items. Where practical, CMSI will consider local suppliers and services to reduce unnecessary transportation and support the local economy. Environmental considerations will be balanced with requirements relating to quality, cost, safety, accessibility, operational needs, and academic standards.

10. Equipment and Creative Media Resources

CMSI recognises that creative media education and production can involve the use of specialist equipment and materials.CMSI will seek to manage equipment responsibly by:

·Maintaining equipment appropriately

·Extending equipment lifespan where practicable

·Repairing equipment where economically and environmentally appropriate

·Reusing equipment where possible

·Donating or responsibly recycling equipment that is no longer required

·Avoiding unnecessary disposal

·Considering energy efficiency when replacing equipment

·Managing electronic waste appropriately

Students, staff, tutors, and other users must take reasonable care of CMSI equipment and report damage or faults promptly.

11. Travel and Transport

CMSI recognises that travel can contribute to carbon emissions and environmental impact. Where reasonably practicable, CMSI will encourage:

·Walking

·Cycling

·Public transport

·Car sharing

·Remote meetings where appropriate

·Efficient planning of travel

·Combining journeys where possible

Where travel is necessary for teaching, training, production, events, or other CMSI activities, individuals are encouraged to consider the most appropriate and sustainable travel option available. CMSI recognises that creative media activities may require travel to production locations, studios, and other industry environments. Travel decisions will take account of operational, safety, accessibility, cost, and sustainability considerations.

12. Water Conservation

CMSI will seek to use water responsibly and avoid unnecessary consumption. Individuals are encouraged to:

·Avoid leaving taps running unnecessarily

·Report leaks or water-related issues

·Use water responsibly

·Follow relevant site water conservation measures

​

Where CMSI operates in premises managed by a third party, CMSI will support relevant water management arrangements.

13. Environmental Considerations in Teaching and Learning

CMSI recognises the importance of preparing students and learners for the environmental challenges and sustainability expectations of the creative industries. Where appropriate and relevant to the programme, CMSI may incorporate sustainability considerations into teaching and learning activities.

This may include:

·Sustainable production practices

·Waste reduction

·Reuse of sets, props, and materials

·Sustainable approaches to costume and wardrobe

·Energy-efficient production practices

·Responsible use of equipment

·Sustainable location management

·Reduction of unnecessary travel

·Environmental considerations in event and production planning

CMSI will seek to encourage students to understand the environmental responsibilities associated with the creative media sector. Where appropriate, CMSI will work with Capital City College to support relevant sustainability objectives within academic programmes and partnership activities.

14. Events and Productions

CMSI will consider environmental impacts when planning events, productions, workshops, and other activities.

​

Where reasonably practicable, CMSI will consider:

·Waste generation

·Energy use

·Travel requirements

·Catering

·Use of disposable materials

·Printing and promotional materials

·Equipment requirements

·Venue sustainability

·Reuse and recycling opportunities

Where catering is provided, CMSI will consider opportunities to reduce food waste and unnecessary single-use packaging.

15. Contractors and Suppliers

CMSI expects contractors and suppliers working with or on behalf of CMSI to comply with relevant environmental requirements. Where appropriate, CMSI may consider environmental performance when selecting or reviewing suppliers.

Contractors and suppliers may be expected to:

·Comply with applicable environmental legislation

·Follow site environmental requirements

·Dispose of waste responsibly

·Avoid unnecessary waste

·Use resources efficiently

·Report significant environmental incidents

​

Where CMSI operates within third-party premises, contractors and suppliers must comply with the relevant site requirements.

16. Environmental Incidents and Concerns

Any environmental incident, significant spill, pollution event, hazardous waste issue, or other serious environmental concern should be reported promptly to CMSI management and, where relevant, the appropriate site or facilities management team.

CMSI will take reasonable and proportionate action to:

·Minimise environmental harm

·Contain the incident where safe to do so

·Notify relevant parties

·Comply with applicable reporting requirements

·Investigate the cause where appropriate

·Implement corrective action

·Prevent recurrence where reasonably practicable

·17. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

CMSI recognises that sustainability is an ongoing process. CMSI will seek to monitor and improve its environmental performance by:

·Reviewing environmental practices

·Identifying areas for improvement

·Considering environmental risks within operational planning

·Reviewing waste and resource use where practical

·Encouraging staff and student feedback

·Monitoring relevant environmental objectives

·Reviewing progress against sustainability commitments

Where practical, CMSI may establish specific environmental objectives or targets. These may include:

·Reducing unnecessary paper use

·Increasing recycling

·Reducing waste

·Improving energy efficiency

·Increasing awareness of sustainable practices

·Encouraging sustainable travel

·Increasing the reuse of creative media materials

Progress will be reviewed periodically and appropriate actions identified.

18. Training and Awareness

CMSI will provide appropriate information and awareness to staff, tutors, students, and learners regarding:

·Environmental responsibilities

·Waste reduction

·Recycling

·Energy conservation

·Sustainable use of resources

·Responsible procurement

·Sustainable travel

·Environmental requirements relating to creative media activities

·Relevant site environmental procedures

​

Environmental and sustainability awareness may be included in staff induction, student induction, course materials, and other appropriate communications. CMSI will encourage individuals to contribute ideas for improving environmental performance.

19. Academic Partnership with Capital City College

CMSI recognises the importance of supporting the environmental and sustainability objectives of its academic partnership with Capital City College. Where appropriate, CMSI will:

·Cooperate with relevant Capital City College sustainability initiatives

·Support applicable environmental and sustainability requirements associated with the partnership

·Share relevant information where reasonably required for quality assurance or partnership monitoring

·Encourage students to develop awareness of sustainability within the creative industries

·Consider sustainability within relevant teaching and learning activities

·Review environmental practices where required by partnership arrangements

Where specific environmental or sustainability requirements are established by Capital City College as part of the academic partnership, CMSI will seek to comply with those requirements where they apply to CMSI's activities.

20. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

CMSI will seek to comply with all applicable UK environmental legislation and relevant regulatory requirements. Depending on the nature of its activities, this may include requirements relating to:

·Waste management

·Environmental protection

·Hazardous waste

·Electrical and electronic equipment

·Energy efficiency

·Pollution prevention

·Water management

Where CMSI operates from premises controlled by another organisation, CMSI will comply with relevant site environmental requirements and procedures. CMSI will review relevant legal and regulatory requirements when appropriate and will update its procedures where necessary.

21. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

·At least annually

·Following significant changes to CMSI's operations

·Following changes to relevant environmental legislation

·Following significant environmental incidents

·Following changes to the academic partnership with Capital City College

·Where environmental performance or sustainability practices require improvement

The policy will be updated where necessary to reflect changes in CMSI's activities, legal requirements, partnership arrangements, or sustainability objectives.

22. Implementation Decision

CMSI confirms that:

·Environmental responsibility and sustainability are important aspects of CMSI's operations

·CMSI will seek to minimise the environmental impact of its activities

·Waste and unnecessary consumption will be reduced where reasonably practicable

·Resources will be used responsibly

·Recycling, reuse, and responsible disposal will be encouraged

·Sustainable procurement will be considered where appropriate

·Energy and water efficiency will be promoted

·Sustainable travel will be encouraged where practicable

·Environmental considerations will be incorporated into relevant creative media activities

·Students, staff, and tutors will be encouraged to develop environmental awareness

·CMSI will support relevant sustainability requirements associated with its academic partnership with Capital City College

·En

vironmental performance will be reviewed and continuously improved where practicable

23. Contact

​

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact:

​

CMS Institute (Creative Media Skills Group Ltd)
Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road,
Buckinghamshire, SL0 0NH, United Kingdom
info@creative-media-skills.com
01753 656168

© CMS Institute / Creative Media Skills Group Ltd. All rights reserved.

​