Environmental Policies

• We believe we comply with the requirements of environmental legislation and approved codes of practice
• We continuously seek to improve our environmental and social performance
• We do our best to reduce pollution, emissions and waste
• We do our best to reduce the use of energy, water and other resources
• We use local providers of goods and services where possible, and choose fair trade products where available
• We raise awareness, encourage participation and train instructors and outdoor enthusiasts in environmental practices
• We seek to encourage suppliers and contractors in environmentally sustainable practices
• We raise awareness, encourage participation and offer training to the general public in environmental sustainability and best outdoor practices
• We encourage groups to be in a small number to reduce the impact to the local environment
• We encourage customers to use products and services in an environmentally sensitive way
• We liaise with the local community and support them as we can
• When operating in the outdoor we promote the Leave No Trace ethic
• We have been full international Leave No Trace partner since 2009

 

Economic responsibility

As a small outdoor provider we always aim to use local instructors. Sea kayaks and other equipment is either provided from a local business around Inverness or would have been purchased at local businesses. We also use only local Bed and Breakfasts or guesthouses instead of national hotel chains. Where possible we purchase fresh food at local merchants for expeditions.

Environmental responsibility

In the office we aim to work as much paperless as possible and encourage clients to fill out the booking forms and kit lists electronically and send them by email.
We first of all try avoiding rubbish as much as possible. Where not possible we aim to reuse products or recycle. On trips away everything is going to be carried out again and when possible also make sure to lift any rubbish left by other people.
On all trips we encourage clients to respect the environment and the wildlife and also respect the rights of other people to enjoy the environment.
In my function as sole owner of Highland Ascent I have organised many sea kayaking expeditions for a local kayaking club on a voluntary basis. On these trip I always have promoted the ethics of leaving no traces in the local environment and the ethics of protecting wildlife.

Social responsibility

Due to the nature of our business we mainly are away in the wilds. However, during days in Inverness or at other smaller places we encourage people to visit localities. The Highlands also have a lot of History and local projects to improve accessibility to hills or other nature related projects. In case there is an event or festival during our visit we will inform our clients about these choices and stay flexible to our clients wishes.