4 Ways to Grow a Charity’s Sustainability Strategy

By Mia Brown
Charity • Thoughts
21st June 22

How can the charity sector keep up with expected sustainability demands – as measurable performance and tangible outcomes become standard?

For organisations to build long-lasting impact, a sustainability strategy must be at the heart of both your day-to-day operations and long-term gaze.

Putting theory into practice requires guidance, expertise, and collaboration.

Start by viewing your sustainability strategy as growing and offshooting from the following four areas.

1. GOVERNANCE

Look at the make-up of your board. Does it need to be more diverse and inclusive?

A lack of diversity stunts sustainability – different voices and cultural liaisons are needed to rise to new levels of bold, future-fit leadership. The relationship is symbiotic.

Do you currently invest any surplus funds? If so, ensure your investment strategy has an ESG focus. Even better: align investments with your charitable purpose.

 

2. PEOPLE

Your team can help too. Start by promoting good environmental stewardship encouraging staff to reduce, reuse, recycle. Then invite people to co-create and have co-ownership over sustainable initiatives.

Try linking these to professional development opportunities.

This empowers employees, boosting general happiness and sense of purpose.

 

3. ENVIRONMENT

Once you start measuring, you can start reducing.

Does your building have a good EPC rating? By 2025, you will only be able to rent properties EPC C or above. If you own your property, consider BREEAM or WELL accreditations; the latter offers a 35% non-profit discount.

Day-to-day energy efficiency can be achieved through using renewable sources, monitoring usage, and having set reduction targets.

 

4. COMMUNITY
Have you assessed your supply chain? Ensuring you do due diligence and chose suppliers and partners who align with sustainability goals is crucial. Avoid reputational risk: work with those who further your charitable purpose.

Give priority to local suppliers and markets to reduce emissions at source.

Consider greening fundraising contracts by putting provisions in place to ensure environmental aspirations are met.

 

Keeping up with sustainability

 

These four foundational questions can help you navigate, plan, and realise organisational strategy:

  • What is your timeline to reach the goals you have set up?
  • What are the risks and opportunity costs of inaction?
  • What resources are required?
  • What are the tasks you have identified to complete this work?


More guidance?

Want to take your sustainability strategy further?

  • Learn 7 practical steps to reach net zero HERE.
  • Supporting organisations to become future-fit, Positive has just released their dynamic Compass Tool: the first 360° methodology for impactful business. Check it out HERE.

Featured Stories & Insights

15th September 23

Project Update – Ironmonger – 03

Mid-September – we are now in the latter stages of installation. Of Rethroning this Great...

Read More
14th September 23

The Art of Arrival: 7 London Office Lobbies That Leave A Lasting Impression

We eat with our eyes: First impressions matter. The entrance of your building is the...

Read More

11th September 23

GPE Teams up With TSP to Create Workspace For Charities

PRESS RELEASE LONDON – September 2023 – GPE has partnered with TSP, the real estate...

Read More
25th August 23

Property + Tech: How Trustek Are Bridging the Gap

We delve into the minds of Freddie Pritchard-Smith and Michael Crawford, co-founders of Trustek, independent...

Read More
14th August 23

Top 5 Mistakes Made by Office Investors & Developers

Is your asset strategy on track? We uncover the five common pitfalls faced by office...

Read More
7th August 23

TSP Continues Flex Platform Expansion With C£6m Acquisition of 79 Clerkenwell

PRESS RELEASE LONDON – August 2023 – TSP, the real estate investor and asset manager,...

Read More

View all

Let's Talk

Got a question? Use the form to get in touch.

    Sign up to our newsletter

    For updates on commercial property news and events.