Charity Finance Group (CFG) has today [7 October] launched an online guide for charities looking to reduce their carbon emissions.
‘Charities and the path to net zero’ helps charities to build a net zero strategy; understand the links between net zero, investments, pensions and grantmaking; and reduce emissions through the procurement process.
It contains information on the practical steps charities can take to reduce emissions, saving them time and money. The launch follows on from CFG research in 2021 which showed that charities wanted to do more to reduce emissions and tackle climate change, but didn’t always know where to find support.
Richard Sagar, Head of Policy, CFG, comments:
“We all have a responsibility to do all we can to tackle climate change. Speaking to charities, we know that they are keen to understand the practical ways in which they can reduce their carbon emissions to help contribute towards net zero.
“Our research last year showed that 80% of charities do not have a net zero objective, and even fewer report on their carbon emissions. It’s vital that the charity sector does all it can to not only work towards net zero, but lead the way in avoiding dangerous climate change.
“This guide will add to the vast knowledge that is available on the topic, but in a way that provides positive and practical steps towards a robust, realistic net zero strategy.”
The new guide includes contributions and case studies from CFG’s charity members and corporate partners and is sponsored by PwC and CCLA Investment Management.
Dan Chan, from PwC, comments:
“There is an imperative on all organisations, including charities, to make achieving net zero central to short, medium and long term strategy and decision making. Combating climate change is a responsibility which we must tackle together across every sector and charities have a significant role to play. Environmental charities have undoubtedly been leading the charge, but it is important for the charity sector as a whole plays its part.
“At PwC, we are pleased to be co-sponsoring this guide, which we hope will contribute towards supporting charities to step up and accelerate their efforts - moving from ambition to action - to achieve a socially just net zero future.”
Dr James Corah, Head of Sustainability at CCLA, said:
“With COP 27 and 15 later this year, the intensity of focus on climate is set to increase. CCLA is pleased to be part of Charity Finance’s Net Zero Guide which is a timely, practical support for those charities working through net zero strategies.
“Charities can wield significant influence by choosing service providers that have a track record of protecting the environment and pushing for positive climate action and this new guide will be a valuable tool to help them understand how to do this.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The ‘Charities and the path to net zero’ guide follows a CFG survey in 2021 that showed eight out of ten charities and social change organisations did not have a net zero strategy. The guide has been produced with the kind support of PwC and CCLA Investment Management and with contributions from the following:
- CCLA Investment Management
- Bridge House Estates
- Association of Charitable Foundations
- Utility Aid
- Auditel
- Spence & Partners
Read our 2021 survey on charities and net zero.
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