Sustainability

Green Scheme

Our popular Green Scheme combines rewards for greener travel to and from the racecourse, with accessibility to ensure that racegoers can make greener decisions about their method of transport.

We run a Shuttle Bus on racedays from the market square in Ripon to the racecourse so that those who do not wish to drive their car can make a greener choice. Visit our Shuttle Bus page for more info.

Any racegoer arriving on a bike or with a valid Leeds/Harrogate – Ripon bus ticket for raceday is able to get a discount on their entry ticket. See the Green Scheme page for more details.

Reducing Energy Usage

Much of our energy reduction is behind the scenes, so you may not be able to spot it when coming to the races on a raceday. These are the initiatives we have undertaken.

• LED lighting transfer: we have so far transferred 60% of all old lighting units to LED lighting and ALL new renovations are designed with low-energy lighting and appliances. This has reduced our energy consumption across the course by 65-70%. 
• We have installed variable speed control systems to all of our irrigation pumps in order to reduce power usage.
• We are continually striving to reduce our power usage, by purchasing newer, more energy efficient equipment whenever our current equipment needs replacing. Our new generator is an example of this.

Ripon Green Fair

Promotion of and representation at the Ripon Together Green Fair’ run by Ripon Together Community Group. A huge variety of groups and businesses came together to share best practice and provide services to Ripon residents including cycle checkups, environmental groups, local green businesses, community energy projects and more. 

We completed a staff litter pick, cleaning up the waterway areas of Ripon, riverside, canalside and Hell Wath, filling 19 x 50 litre sacks.

Reducing Waste

We have a partnership with Waste Management Company ‘Yorwaste’ with ‘Zero to Landfill’ policy. Any non-recyclables are converted to solid recovered fuel products for energy from waste. Therefore, 0% goes to landfill with Yorwaste.

• Adding water conditioner – Quadrop treated water penetrates the grass and roots more quickly so that there is less run off or accumulation of water on the surface leading to less wasted water and a lower overall water usage
•  We are now maximising natural water resources with the conversion of additional septic tanks for water harvesting, saving an additional 240,000 litres.

Wildlife and Habitats

Creation of habitat poles and bird boxes. Log and brush piles, deadwood and clippings left for invertebrates and insects supporting the habitats surrounding us in the Ripon City Wetlands, canal and River Ure. Managed rewilding of racecourse canalside land and strips connecting with Ripon City Wetlands.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Tractors and Machinery

• All tractors have their Power Take-Off (PTO) set to economy rate.

• PTO transfers an engine’s mechanical power to equipment that doesn’t have its own engine or motor.

• Ongoing replacement of fossil fuel-powered tools and machinery with battery-powered alternatives.

Long-Term Sustainability Plans

• Switching from fuel-powered stand-by generators to a solar/battery UPS system is planned, likely before the start of the 2024 season.

• Research is underway on additional initiatives, including:

  • Use of greywater for toilets

  • Water harvesting solutions

We are committed to continually exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining a safe and enjoyable racecourse for all.