Most charities do not yet have a net zero objective according to a survey carried out by the Charity Finance Group (CFG).

It found that 84% of charities do yet have the climate change commitment built into their organisation and just 14% said they currently report on their carbon emissions.

The survey was carried out in October and indicates more charities will adopt this green commitment in the coming months. More than one third of charities (37%) said discussions among trustees had taken place about net zero and climate change.

Lack of understanding, costs and linking climate change to their charitable objectives have been cited by barriers by charities to moving towards net zero.

Other challenges include accessing relevant examples of good practice and communicating the need for green policies among funders and beneficiaries.

“Climate change and its effects are inextricably linked to global social justice, poverty and health,” said CFG acting head of policy Richard Sagar.

“The charity sector understands this all too well and is keen to know how it can help to reduce its carbon emissions.

“Many charities are already taking bold steps to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. However, many more are only just getting started on the net zero journey.

“What comes across loud and clear from our research and through conversations with our members is that much more support needs to be provided to the sector, from infrastructure bodies like ours, government, the regulator and the for-profit sector.”

Most respondents were from medium sized charities with an annual income of £1 to £10m.

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