Climate change: how charities can transition to net zero

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The UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener sets out a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This includes reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, making the transition to clean energy, and investing in green technology. 

 

For the country to reach this target by 2050, it needs the support of the public and every sector – including charities, both big and small. 

 

 

What is “net zero”? 

 

The term “net zero” refers to the act of balancing the amount of carbon we emit into the Earth’s atmosphere with the amount of carbon we remove from it. “Net zero” will be achieved when the amount of carbon that we emit into the atmosphere is no greater than the carbon we remove.  

 

 

Why the urgency? 

 

The world is currently 1.2C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, due to the increased amount of carbon dioxide in the air. As the world’s population expands, and technology and industry develops, we are creating more carbon dioxide, advancing the pace of global warming.  

 

Achieving net zero would significantly reduce the impact of emissions on the planet. Leading scientists agree that setting a limit of global temperatures to a rise of no more than 1.5C would help avoid the worst impacts of climate change. 

 

The UK passed legislation in 2019 to achieve net zero by 2050. It was the first major economy to do so and soon after, other countries followed its lead.  

 

According to the UN, 70 countries have set a target to achieve net zero by 2050 and around 60 more are considering one. 

 

 

How will “net zero” be achieved?  

 

The UK is one of the ‘Group of 20’ who are responsible for around 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations Net Zero Coalition, in order to achieve net zero, it “...calls for nothing less than a complete transformation of how we produce, consume, and move about”.  

 

The biggest culprit of carbon emissions is the energy sector. It accounts for around three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, transforming the energy sector is key to preventing, or worsening the results of climate change.  

Countries need to invest urgently and heavily in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to help reduce carbon emissions and get us on track to net zero by 2050. 

 

 

How can charities help achieve “net zero”?  

 

Apart from lowering their own carbon footprint, one of the most effective ways that charities can help the UK achieve net zero is by holding the Government accountable.  

 

Charities need to be vocal about climate change, including how it is affecting the sector’s ability to create change and have an impact in society.  

 

The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), the membership body for charity leaders, has created leadership principles and a framework for charities to structure and direct their thinking on climate issues and how they can be part of the solution. 

 

Charity leaders can pledge their charity’s commitment and join a community where they can share learnings and work together towards a shared vision. Signing up to the pledge creates accountability and shows commitment to tackling climate change. 

 

 

How can charities lower their carbon footprint?

 

There are many ways that charities can lower their own individual carbon footprint too, in order to help the UK to meet its net zero – by 2050 – commitment.  

 

 

Have a sustainability strategy 

 

Having a sustainability strategy shows that you are serious about committing to being a more sustainable organisation. It will also help you to stay on track to achieving your goals.  

 

Ensure that your sustainability strategy is publicly available on your website – not just to show your commitment, but also to keep your organisation accountable.  

 

 

Work with ethical suppliers 

 

When working with a supplier, do you check their environmental policies or credentials? It’s counterintuitive to have a sustainability strategy but then undo all your good work by working with suppliers who don’t work in a sustainable way.  

 

When procuring services, ask suppliers and contractors to provide their own sustainable strategy, policy, or credentials.  

 

 

Sign up to Carbon Neutral Britain 

 

Join other businesses and charities, such as the National Trust, and sign up to become a carbon neutral business. Carbon Neutral Britain is a non-profit that was founded in 2020. So far it has already offset over 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO²e) and planted over 3 million trees. 

 

When you sign up, their experienced team will calculate your charity’s carbon footprint. They will then help you to reduce your carbon footprint and offset your remaining carbon footprint with certified projects in the UK and around the world.  

 

 

Change banks and review investments  

 

Does your bank have investments in fossil fuels? Make the switch to a green bank that is investing in renewable energy. One such bank is the Green Investment Group, who have committed to over £26 billion in green projects. Finance can be a powerful tool in tackling climate change so it is vitally important for charities to know where theirs is being used.  

 

These are just a few of the ways that charities can reduce their emissions and make strides towards becoming a net zero organisation.  

 

Charities can look for further inspiration within the sector from organisations who have already started down the net zero path. For example, Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot, has published its ambitions for becoming net zero and the steps it is taking to achieve that, while Charity Finance Group has provided more information on how to become a verified carbon neutral organisation.