Why charities are not committing to net zero

Despite the conversations taking place on climate change and carbon emissions in recent months, few charities have a net zero objective. A “net zero objective” means any greenhouse gases you release into the atmosphere are balanced out by removing gases from the atmosphere.

A survey carried out by the Charity Finance Group (CFC) shows that more than eight in 10 charities (84%) don’t yet have a net zero objective and just over one in 10 (14%) currently report on their carbon emissions. Charities completing the survey said there were challenges in adopting a net zero objective. The reasons were:

• Difficulty understanding the practical changes that could be made
• The cost of changes, particularly when it comes to property
• Linking a net zero strategy to charitable objectives
• Communicating the need for a net zero strategy to stakeholders, in particular funders and beneficiaries
• Lack of best practice examples and case studies

CFG’s Acting Head of Policy, Richard Sagar, says: “Much more support needs to be provided to the sector, from infrastructure bodies like ours, to the government, the regulator, and the for-profit sector.

“Guidance is needed in areas such as emissions reporting, investment, pensions and procurement. Moving towards net zero is not just good sense, but an urgent moral imperative that the sector can and must lead on.”

Awareness of climate change in the charity sector

Charities must lead by example when it comes to tackling climate change, as the public looks to them to tackle world issues. Sagar from CFC says climate change and its effects are linked to global social justice, poverty and health, all of which are causes the third sector is working on.

Despite not many charities having a net zero objective, there are some positive changes happening across the sector. For example, the survey findings show that almost four in 10 charities (37%) have talked to their trustees about net zero and climate change. So, it seems there is a general awareness of the need to tackle carbon emissions.

What charities can do to reduce carbon emissions

Everyone can play their part in tackling climate change. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Learn about climate change

Climate change is a complex subject to get your head around and it can feel difficult to know where to begin. Start reading about the subject so you can start talking to your colleagues about it. The WWF answers some common questions about climate change on its website.

Appoint a team to be responsible for sustainability

Put a team in place to take charge of sustainability and come up with ideas for how your organisation can reduce carbon emissions. Try to have a representative from each area of the charity. This will help to build enthusiasm and encourage others to come forward with suggestions.

Embed a culture of sustainability

Talk to trustees and other volunteers about climate change so it becomes part of everyday conversations. Bringing everyone on board will get more people behind the cause.

Think about the suppliers

When choosing companies to work with, consider their policies around sustainability and whether they are committed to climate change too.