Environmental Policy

Aim

Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire is committed to improving our environmental performance and implementing best practice to minimise the environmental impacts of our business operations. We will also implement strategies that will reduce the impact of environmental risks on our organisation.

This policy keeps senior management and employees informed about their environmental roles and responsibilities within our organisation.

Policy aims include:

  • Implement environmental actions within our organisation
  • Monitor the environmental actions and improvements internally
  • Raising awareness of actions we can take to reduce environmental impact

Scope

The Environmental Policy applies to all employees, volunteers and trustees. This policy will apply to any contractors employed by Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire. The Policy will be shared with stakeholders to demonstrate and indicate best practice.

Statement of Commitment

Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire is committed to continually improving its environmental performance. We aim to reduce our carbon and environmental footprints and formally commit to being environmentally responsible. We will comply with relevant environmental legislation, where possible and applicable.

In July 2025 we relocated to Clay Cross Active, leased through North East Derbyshire District Council. Utilities are included in the lease, and while we lack influence over the energy efficiency infrastructure, the new building is constructed with a focus on decarbonisation and environmental sustainability. Sustainability is a priority area for NEDDC, which we fully support.

Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire will commit to:

1. Efficient use of water, energy and other natural resources

Actively encouraging staff and volunteers to understand their impact on the environment and take individual responsibility for their actions:

  • Use less water
  • Use less gas and electricity, i.e. by turning down heating/air conditioning
  • Avoid using lifts whenever possible
  • Turn off appliances and lights when not in use

2. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce

Actively promoting recycling, reuse and reduction both internally and amongst our clients and suppliers, by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible:

  • Recycling plastics, glass, paper and card within the appropriate bins, and keeping up to date with NEDDC’s recycling requirements
  • Recycle (i.e. donate or sell) unwanted furniture from offices
  • Recycle electronic devices when safe to do so
  • Reuse equipment whenever possible
  • Reuse scrap paper for notes
  • Reduce the use of paper and resources by not printing unnecessary paperwork
  • Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups
  • Dispose of food waste in the appropriate bins

3. Sustainable transport

Developing, maintaining and encouraging sustainable transport options, seeking to reduce unnecessary travel and making the transport that is necessary as sustainable as possible:

  • Not making unnecessary journeys
  • Car share whenever possible
  • Use public transport or cycle if and when appropriate

4. Responsible purchasing

Sourcing and promoting a product range to minimise the environmental impact of both production and distribution, using local suppliers to reduce emissions and travel costs where possible and practicable, and using companies with green credentials and recycled goods where possible and practicable:

  • Whenever possible, purchase fair trade goods
  • Whenever possible, purchase goods which are made from recycled materials
  • Use chemically benign products
  • Buy local whenever possible
  • Order in bulk to reduce the overall number of deliveries

5. Raising awareness and delivering training for staff and volunteers on environmental issues

Actively working with staff and volunteers to identify how they can participate in achieving the aims and objectives of being an environmentally responsible organisation:

  • Use a variety of communication methods to educate staff and volunteers about environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion
  • Provide information at induction on the organisation’s sustainability goals and how individual actions contribute to these objectives
  • Encourage open dialogue and suggestions for how individuals can contribute to the organisation’s environmental objectives
  • Recognise and celebrate individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility through their actions and initiatives
  • Encourage staff and volunteers to share their knowledge, experiences, and success stories to inspire others and foster a collaborative approach to sustainability

6. Raising awareness of environmental issues to influence clients

  • Provide information about energy efficiency advice to clients in relation to energy enquiries
  • Only print off necessary paperwork
  • Avoid unnecessary travel for clients by providing alternative channels of communication
  • Use social media and other communication outlets to promote sustainability

 

July 2025