Online guide launches to help charities meet climate change commitments

The Charity Finance Group has launched an online guide for charities on how they can reduce their carbon emission.

The guide includes advice on ensuring procurement and investments are environmentally friendly and on drafting an environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy.

Called Charities and the path to net zero it has been published after research by CFG last year found that charities wanted to do more tackle climate change “but didn’t always know where to find support”, said the sector body.

“We all have a responsibility to do all we can to tackle climate change,” said CFG head of policy Richard Sagar.

“Speaking to charities, we know that they are keen to understand the practical ways in which they can reduce their carbon emissions to help contribute towards net zero.

“Our research last year showed that 80% of charities do not have a net zero objective, and even fewer report on their carbon emissions. It’s vital that the charity sector does all it can to not only work towards net zero but lead the way in avoiding dangerous climate change.

“This guide will add to the vast knowledge that is available on the topic, but in a way that provides positive and practical steps towards a robust, realistic net zero strategy.”

Today we've launched a new guide, 'Charities and the path to net zero' with @PwC_UK and CCLA Investment Management that offers practical first steps on the net zero journey. Climate change is no longer a fringe concern we need to take action now. https://t.co/ps6Q0U2x0U pic.twitter.com/mBdgYUsLn8
— CharityFinanceGroup (@CFGtweets) October 7, 2022

The advice coincides with evidence that efforts within the charity sector to combat climate change are stalling.

A survey by Newton Investment Management published this week found that only three in ten charities are excluding fossil fuels from their investment portfolios. Almost two in four say they have not even discussed fossil fuel investing this year.

Earlier this week think tank New Philanthropy Capital warned charities to ensure their own performance around ESG issues “is up to scratch” before engaging with corporates on issues such as climate change.

A separate report by C&E Advisory Services, published last month, found that corporates’ view of charities commitment to ESG issues had fallen over the last year.