The Scottish Government has committed to turning Scotland into a carbon-neutral country by 2045 and reducing emissions by 75% (compared to 1990) by 2030. The current Programme for Government reflects this focus on the climate emergency. This will mean big changes to the way we live our lives, run our homes and businesses.
SIAA and our member organisations have our own part to play in this, including reducing the carbon footprint of our organisations and becoming more aware of action we can take to tackle the climate crisis.
With so many immediate challenges for independent advocacy organisations to contend with, it’s easy to put climate change at the bottom of your to-do list. However, it is vital that independent advocacy is there to support advocacy partners through changes related to the climate crisis, ensuring Scotland’s transition to net zero is a just one. We do not want to see the results of the climate crisis impact on marginalised groups and those experiencing poverty in the same way Covid-19 has done in the past two years.
We know from SCVO research carried out in early 2021 that many non-environmental voluntary organisations want to do more but don’t know where to start. That’s why we want to support you with a range of information and activities that help make taking action easier.
Getting started
This straightforward guide from SCVO ‘How to start your organisation’s journey to net zero’ is a great place to start broadening your understanding of the sector’s role in the climate crisis and provides clear actions to follow.
Zero Waste Scotland has a useful guide on how to calculate your businesses carbon footprint that may be useful for benchmarking where your organisation is just now.
Examples of organisational environmental policies
- Zero Waste Scotland has a guide to creating a meaningful environmental policy
- SCVO’s environmental policy
- Changeworks environmental policy
- Voluntary Action Harrow sample environmental policy for charities
More resources
- Keep Scotland Beautiful provides Climate Emergency Trainingthat can help your organisation understand why climate change is important to you.
- Read some of our case studies for some inspiration and practical information
- Watch this video clip featuring Teresa Bray, chief executive of Changeworks.
- Inclusion Scotland has published a report, It’s Our Planet Too: Climate Change, Disabled People and Climate Action