Sustainability

We are working with Positive Planet to undertake actions that make a difference to our environmental sustainability.

In September 2022, we started working with Positive Planet to undertake actions that make a difference to our environmental sustainability. Through their support, we collaboratively created our Carbon Reduction Plan, focused on achieving the following targets:

• Reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60% by 2030.
• Procuring 80% renewable electricity by 2025 and 100% by 2030 at all paid offices.
• Reducing scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.
• Measuring all scope 3 categories by 2026.
• Reducing our total market-based emissions (scope 1, 2 and 3) by at least 90% by 2040.
• Neutralising any residual emissions using verified carbon offsets.

We have implemented the following sustainability initiatives/projects:

• Yearly measurement of our carbon footprint to identify trends and actively make improvements to reduce these emissions.
• A ‘Green Team’ who act as environmental sustainability champions – raising green issues at team meetings, updating staff on sustainability progress, and offering advice on being more energy efficient, helping the environment, and living healthier lives.
• A hybrid working policy, allowing people to work at home, helping reduce carbon emissions from travel.
• For staff, we have introduced: Electric Car Scheme, Travel Loan Scheme, and Cycle Scheme. Staff are also encouraged to share their own green ideas through our IdeaNote platform.
• As part of ‘Wellbeing Week’, we held a Recycle and Craft Competition where staff were encouraged to make something creative from recycled materials – the winner won a £50 voucher.
• We ran a full-day Carbon Literacy training for staff, leading to measurable action plans of how we will reduce the charity’s emissions. There is also a MeLearning module on ‘Environmental Sustainability’ available for all staff.
• We work with Tameside Community Computers to recycle old tech, reduce landfills, and help bridge the digital divide. To date, we have sent approximately 400 devices for recycling at Tameside.

• Year on year, our utilities usage is reducing (electricity – by approximately 28%, gas KWH – by approximately 11%, water – by approximately 9%)
• We are now using 100% green energy where we have a responsibility for Gas and Electricity.
• We undertook a major transformation in our information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, decreasing ICT energy usage by over 30%.
• We have no fossil fuel companies in our investment portfolio.
• All landlords/management agents are checked for their commitment to provide 100% renewable energy.
• All our cleaning companies where we have responsibility are using 100% green cleaning products.

Whilst we have made important strides toward increasing our sustainability and reducing our emissions, we want to do more. Our plans for the future include:

• Continuing to purchase 100% renewable electricity for all sites.
• Ongoing training and engagement for the Green Team, leadership, and the wider employee base.
• Encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and improve their own carbon footprint through supplier engagement, procurement policies and contracts, and monitoring reporting mechanisms. Once completed, we will prioritise suppliers with lower carbon footprints.

“While we have always done as much as we can to reduce our carbon emissions. We are taking our commitment to the next level by working with Positive Planet.

“We are learning to embed new approaches to sustainability into everything we do.  This includes everything from infrastructure and processes to everyday actions we can take during our workday.  It will also be a great learning opportunity for our staff on embedding sustainability into everyday actions and into their lives. 

“As a charity and an employer committed to creating a better future, we are excited to start this journey to further reduce our carbon impact on the planet.”  

Sheila Clark, CEO of Career Connect