Where are charities on their own net zero journeys?

"a recent survey carried out by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Social Enterprise Network Scotland (SENScot)suggests many third sector organisations could still be doing more to promote environmental awareness and best practices."

While environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are increasingly informing the way charities pursue their objectives, a recent survey carried out by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and the Social Enterprise Network Scotland (SENScot) suggests many third sector organisations could still be doing more to promote environmental awareness and best practices. The survey results have some important lessons for all charities.

Last year’s COP 26 event in Glasgow may have spotlighted growing environmental fears for our planet, but the Third Sector and Net Zero survey, published prior to the COP summit, showed that close to 50% of respondents thought the climate crisis was either “not important” or only “slightly to moderately important”.

The survey findings present a mixed picture of charities’ actions on climate change, with some, particularly those with an environmental remit, doing good climate control work, while others need more help to set and achieve net zero targets

Overall, however, 80% of respondents said they had not set a carbon-neutral target, indicating a “real disconnect” between charities and the climate change agenda.

"Two thirds of respondents said they aren’t yet measuring their organisation’s carbon footprint – often because they find existing measurement tools difficult to use – although, more encouragingly, they would like to in the future."

Carbon measuring tools ‘difficult to use’

Two thirds of respondents said they aren’t yet measuring their organisation’s carbon footprint – often because they find existing measurement tools difficult to use – although, more encouragingly, they would like to in the future.

A quarter of all harmful emissions are generated by energy use. This is probably the easiest change that charities could make to reduce their carbon footprint, but many organisations who responded to the survey said they rented their premises and so had no control over who supplied heating and power.

In contrast, 65% of respondents said they were engaged with activities aimed at recycling and reusing materials and resources.

Complexity a barrier to action

The SCVO’s research found that while supporting the third sector to move towards net zero is essential, existing carbon emissions tools and service providers are often focused on the needs of larger organisations. Furthermore, it found that support in tackling environmental issues can be so complex that it can “bamboozle people” and “make it impossible to know where to start or how to start”.

To help deal with this challenge, the SCVO has put together some useful guidance on how charities can go about cutting their carbon footprint: How to start your organisation’s journey to net zero.

"It suggests charities should start by discussing transition to net zero emissions, if they haven’t already done so, at their next board meeting."

It suggests charities should start by discussing transition to net zero emissions, if they haven’t already done so, at their next board meeting.  Key questions for trustees and senior staff to consider include:

• should climate change and the transition to net zero be on the charity’s risk register
• how it will impact the charity’s service users 
• how it will impact the way the charity delivers its activities or services 
• should it be incorporated into the investment policy

"SCVO’s COP26 Legacy Project begins in April and will include some free training on how voluntary organisations can cut their carbon footprint."

SCVO’s COP26 Legacy Project begins in April and will include some free training on how voluntary organisations can cut their carbon footprint. Check SCVO’s Climate Crisis webpage and social media channels for more information.

Demonstrating green credentials

The next step should be to create an environmental policy that commits the organisation to cutting its carbon output. This doesn’t have to be complicated but should provide a framework, against which progress can be measured. 

A net zero policy should also include details of how the organisation will make changes, as well as what carbon-cutting actions are expected of suppliers. This is an important part of demonstrating environmental credentials – something that funders, donors and other stakeholders will increasingly demand to see. Zero Waste Scotland has a guide to creating a meaningful environmental policy, including sample policies. 

A key part of this net zero ‘journey’ is understanding an organisation’s existing carbon footprint. The SCVO says that, again, this doesn’t need to be complicated and can be a simple internal audit that includes analysing the organisation’s energy bills, how much it recycles, what disposable items it is buying and how much travel is involved. 

The Carbon Trust has an easy-to-use carbon footprint calculator and social enterprise Changeworks provides consultancy services for organisations that want to reduce their carbon footprint.  

Making a contribution to a more circular economy – extending the life of products and resources for as long as possible – can be a relatively easy net zero starting point for charities because it’s not expensive and there is a greater general awareness of the importance of recycling or reuse. This could include:

• buying pre-used office furniture or equipment

• donating used goods

• repairing broken items

• recycling products that can’t be reused. 

Getting people onboard

The SCVO suggests that charities are more likely to be successful in their attempts to cut carbon if everyone within the organisation understands why climate change is important and feels they are a part of efforts to achieve net zero goals.

This can mean investing in training for staff and board members and giving staff responsibility for coming up with new ideas to cut the organisation’s carbon footprint. Simple steps like using wall posters or internal digital platforms to remind people to turn off their computers and to recycle can also make a big difference.

Sharing progress and learning from others

"Finally, charities shouldn’t be shy about their net zero goals and actions, the SCVO suggests – share what you’re doing on your website and on social media channels, as this is something that your donors, funders and beneficiaries will want to see."

Finally, charities shouldn’t be shy about their net zero goals and actions, the SCVO suggests – share what you’re doing on your website and on social media channels, as this is something that your donors, funders and beneficiaries will want to see.

Sharing with other charities and learning from what they are doing is also very worthwhile. Addressing climate change and environmental challenges may seem a bit daunting, but it’s clear charities can no longer afford to ignore them.

Is it time to start your journey?