Environmental & Sustainability Policy

2. Aims

In pursuit of this policy of minimising their environmental impact and promoting sustainability, Futureproof Cumbria aims to:

1. Eliminate or Reduce the use of resources – both material and energy resources. Energy consumption will be reduced by maximising energy efficiency and the management of heating our office (e.g. not having the central heating on while windows are open, and not using the lights when ambient light from the windows is sufficient); by switching off computer and IT equipment when not in use for more than 30 minutes; by filling kettles with only the appropriate level of water for that required. All office cleaning equipment and toiletries etc should be environmentally sensitive (e.g. Ecover, recycled toilet paper), wherever possible. This also includes using emails and storing the information in computer files rather than printing. If using cloud storage the ‘greenest’ option should be selected. Also the encouragement of our Members to receive the newsletter and any promotional literature by email, wherever possible and appropriate. Where printing is required, to use both sides of paper and to reuse paper only printed on one side. When purchasing a new printer we will ensure that it can have one tray dedicated to single sided used paper. When out-sourcing printing, recycled paper and vegetable ink will be used. An environmental review of office accommodation and our use of the premises will be undertaken every two years with consideration given to the possibility of purchasing or building a sustainable office.

2. Re-use materials. This applies especially to paper that is printed or used on only one side. Unused promotional or educational material should be reused where possible with stickers to ‘update’ material where appropriate. Cartridges for the printer should be re-used wherever possible, using Cartridge World (or similar organisation) or the manufacturer’s service. Furniture and office equipment should be sourced from a reuse organisation such as Impact Housing when available. Consideration should be given to the full life cycle of the product.

3. Recycle materials that cannot be re-used. Paper and card should always be recycled. Computer equipment, once ‘obsolete’ should be offered to computer recycling company where possible. All materials within the office should be recycled. Futureproof Cumbria assists other organisations sharing the office suite, by introducing, monitoring and servicing communal intermediate recycling containers and systems (providing training in maximising recycling opportunities).

4. Use recycled and energy-efficient products. All office products, especially paper are sourced from recycled materials. Recycled pens and pencils are used and are distributed as promotional materials. Compost bins/ water butts sold as promotions should be made from recycled plastic.

5. Regular review to be undertaken of environmental impacts of Futureproof Cumbria’ policies regarding home-working, the Office location, outreach venues and travel policy.

6. Use public transport to get to meetings where practical. Futureproof Cumbria staff are encouraged to use bicycles for travel to and from work and to travel to meetings whenever possible. At the end of the calendar year, travel miles will be calculated and a carbon emissions calculation undertaken using the standard CO2/mile for the cars used. Trains and buses should be used when travelling, especially to Carlisle and, if appropriate Kendal, where meetings are in an accessible and timely efficient location for such travel

7. A copy of the public transport timetable should be kept easily accessible for immediate referral.

8. Share car journeys and minimise miles driven by arranging meetings carefully when public transport is not a practical option. This should involve always asking the lead organisation who is arranging the meeting if there are any other members of the meeting travelling from the same area. Mileage will be paid at a flat rate regardless of engine size. Mileage will be paid for cycle travel. Shared transport will be encouraged through event bookings.

9. Source products and services locally. Whenever possible, to support the local economy, these services should be sourced within Eden, or failing Eden, within Cumbria. This is especially pertinent to printers, designers, office products and publicity material. We will include a question about sustainability in all procurement.

10. Encourage others to adopt similar environmental and sustainable aims. Through education at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels, at public meetings and conferences, Futureproof Cumbria should seek to produce materials and displays encouraging groups and individuals to adopt sustainable practices. This includes advising businesses and other charities on Environmental Management Systems.

11. Source its electricity supply from a renewable energy company. The utility company from which the energy is bought should at the very least demonstrate awareness and act sensitively with due regard to local environmental and social considerations. As the current lease of Futureproof Cumbria’s premises includes electricity, lighting, rent etc and these are all sourced and provided by the landlord, Futureproof Cumbria have little control over their supply. Nevertheless, steps will be taken to influence the policy of the landlord to source electricity from a renewable energy supplier.

12. Pension funds and reserves will be invested in the most environmentally sustainable funds that can be sourced without incurring undue risk.

13. Staffing. We will encourage an atmosphere of constructive challenge and welcome reminders from colleagues if we are not following this policy. All person specs will include ‘commitment to Futureproof Cumbria values’ in essential criteria.

14. A monitoring system evaluating the Environmental Performance of Futureproof Cumbria will be established. See 6.1. Environment and Sustainability Checklist

15. Continually review and update the environmental policy.

16. Policy Statement Regarding Work with Partners and when Funding Projects: Futureproof Cumbria’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its own internal processes. In order that our partners and those who benefit from our support fully understand the position that Futureproof Cumbria take, then a Sustainability Policy Statement will be provided to partners at the start of new initiatives or contracts.