This policy is; 

• aimed (and applies to) all Shout Out UK employees and volunteers, including external agencies or partners delivering on behalf of the Shout Out UK; 

• provides a framework for setting objectives and targets for environmental improvement.

Shout Out UK is committed to the achievement of outstanding environmental performance and sustainable development of its activities and operations to the benefit of present and future generations.

We are striving to ensure every aspect of our organisation incorporates the principles of sustainability. This means we will strive for sustainability in our role as an employer, provider of services, purchaser and facilitator of community, national and international initiatives.

Shout Out UK recognises that managing the environmental impact of operations is essential. We recognise that civil society has a responsibility to adhere to the guiding principles of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy – live within environmental limits, ensure a strong and healthy society, achieve a sustainable economy, promote good governance and use sound science responsibly. This means that we will respect the planet’s resources, take a precautionary and polluter pays approach to preserve the environment for future generation, incentivise resource efficiency, use sound scientific evidence to inform our policies where available and work with stakeholders to achieve these aims. 

Shout Out UK makes the following commitments both in respect of its own activities and, where appropriate, in its influence over the wider community:

1. To reduce our demand for natural resources and energy, to improve efficiency and to increase reliance on greener and  renewable energy sources
2. To seek to minimise the waste produced from activities, to recycle and to support the implementation of the Zero Waste Strategy 
3. To continuously improve the sustainable management of our programmes, reducing the emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gases 
4. To be mindful of the impacts of climate change of the delivery of our services and increase the resilience of our services to impacts such as flooding and heatwaves
5. To prevent environmental harm or pollution incidents by ensuring our working practices comply with all relevant legislation 
6. To ensure that all staff are aware of our environmental standards and shared responsibilities and encourage improvement in our supply chains and partnership networks 
7. To maintain continuous improvement by reviewing internal policies and strategies to ensure integration of sustainable development principles and practices

To meet the commitments, Shout Out UK has taken the following actions:

• Reduced the days required to be in the office from 5 to 2 in order to encourage a reduction of our team’s carbon footprint. 
• Cycle to work scheme: Shout Out UK has a cycle to work scheme to help employees change their habits and adopt more environmentally friendly behaviours. Employees can select and purchase their own bike through a salary sacrifice scheme, which they can then use for their commute to the office.
• Sustainable waste reduction: Shout Out UK adheres to a strict recycling policy, using composting, promoting re-use, encouraging donations to local charities, and adhering to the RBKC recycling guidance.