At Strawberry Field, we are commited to sustainability, accessibility and responsible tourism.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism is demonstrated through the Steps at Strawberry Field programmes, which help those with learning disabilities and other barriers to employment to learn new skills and gain work experience. All profits made from the exhibition, café and shop sales go towards funding these programmes.

‘Steps at Strawberry Field’ is made up of four individually tailored programmes, providing employment skills, work experience, and opportunities to volunteer. Trainees and volunteers from the programmes are offered placements at Strawberry Field to encourage their development and career opportunities, before in some cases, going on to two further placements elsewhere. Find out more here.

The building construction project used responsible procurement, whereby every effort is made to use local contractors and craftsmen, was central to the project. Nine out of ten construction workers on the project lived within 15 miles (24 kms) of the site, and shared bicycles also encouraged responsible travel. Eighty per cent of the contractors used were based in the north-west, seven from Liverpool itself. Apart from minimising travel emissions, the project also provided a number of trainee opportunities, including a six-month work placement.

Accessibility

Strawberry Field is aiming to be the UK’s Number 1 attraction for accessibility, thanks to a series of upgraded and innovative features. Through research and focus groups, the team have upgraded elements of the visitor experience to ensure that everyone is welcome. Inclusivity is at the forefront of the vision and the upgraded features are now in place, making visiting even easier for wheelchair users and those with visual, hearing and other disabilities. Find out more here. 

Sustainability

The 1,360 square meter visitor and training centre is a prize-winning building, having been awarded the Selwyn Goldsmith award for universal design in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards, the oldest built environment recognition scheme in Europe. The requirement in this competition is that

“places work for all people, no matter your age, ethnicity, gender or ability; environments or buildings are responsive, flexible, welcoming, easy to use and occupy; allowing all to use with dignity and equality”

The building’s clean, clear lines rest comfortably among the gardens. Solar panels on the roof reduce reliance on grid electricity. The building has easily complied with the BRREAM code (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment). And in an age of pandemic, the air flow and ventilation is a prime asset. Under-floor heating with sophisticated thermostats minimises energy use. For the complete Strawberry Field Environmental Performance paper written by Hoskins Architects please email sue.harvey@salvationarmy.org.uk

Sustainability was at the forefront of the building design and incudes features such as:

1. Rectangular building plan minimising building envelope and heat loss
2. Design maximising natural daylight and views and minimising impact on existing site
3. Natural ventilation and cross ventilation
4. Low temperature under floor heating minimising energy use
5. Roof top solar panels providing onsite energy
6. Use of sustainable materials
7. Mature landscape preserved
8. Enhanced planting to encourage biodiversity
9. Sustainable Urban Drainage

​The Strawberry Field team work on a daily basis to promote sustainability best practice

1. We support other local community-led charities and social issues in the area. 
2. Our Fresh Expressions Team spend time in the neighbourhood encouraging those who may benefit to spend time at Strawberry Field.
3. Suppliers in the cafe and shop are thoroughly checked to ensure they demonstrate Strawberry Field values and go through a strict Salvation Army procurement process before being approved. We always strive to work alongside local suppliers in the cafe and shop.
4. Every effort is made to create reductions where possible and be mindful of the impact the business has on the local area.
5. Our team are conscious of waste, recycling and reducing single use plastic wherever possible.