Section outline
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Decarbonising programs and operations is a mitigation response at the operational level. The objective of decarbonising programs and operations is to reduce the impact of an organisation’s own operations and programs.
Principles
Actions to reduce an organisation’s carbon emissions should be evidence-based. They should be informed by a publicly available organisational emissions inventory. They should be based on actions that are proven to reduce emissions, and they should be implemented at a speed and sale that aligns with climate science and global efforts to keep warming to as close to 1.5°C as possible.
Actions to reduce an organisation’s carbon emissions should be equitable. They should ensure that responsibility for reducing emissions is shared across organisational operational areas, and ensure that the work is funded and does not fall only on staff with operations responsibilities.
Actions to reduce an organisation’s carbon emissions should be inclusive. They should involve staff in Australia and overseas to support the identification and implementation of emission reduction opportunities.
Actions
Steps that organisations can take to reduce emissions include:
- Developing a greenhouse gas inventory for the organisation and establishing an emissions baseline.
- Committing to organisational emissions reduction targets that are in line with (or better than) the required rate of global emissions reduction.
- Developing an action plan to reduce emissions in line with targets.
- Auditing emissions inventory annually to monitor and track emission reductions.
- Divesting from banks and other financial institutions that continue to fund fossil fuels.
- Promoting ethical superannuation funds that do not invest in fossil fuels.
- Reducing the number of domestic and international flights taken by the organisation.
- Installing rooftop solar panels at offices or purchasing 100 per cent green certified energy.
- Replacing gas heating or appliances with electric alternatives.
- Offsetting unavoidable emissions.
Resources
Short course - Becoming a Climate-Smart Organisation
The aim of this online course is twofold. Firstly, you will learn why Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) must reduce their own emissions and secondly, we provide you with useful tools and tips for how to reduce emissions in the office.
Credit: Care
Duration: 1 hourDecarbonising Australian Volunteers International (2023)
This case study demonstrates AVI's approaches to decarbonise its programs and operations and provides lessons for other organisations looking to integrate low-carbon actions.
Credit: ACFID
Thorough reading time: 20-30 minutes
No. of pages: 2Blog: The sustainability initiative so effective it ended (2018)
The story of the WWF-Australia Sustainability Committee and its work reducing the carbon footprint of internal operations.
Credit: ACFID
Thorough reading time: 10-20 minutesBusiness Carbon Calculator
Calculate your organisation's emissions
Credit: SME Climate HubWhat's the aid sector's carbon footprint (2021)
Credit: The New Humanitarian
Thorough reading time: 15-20 minutesThe Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations
This charter developed by the ICRD and IFRC is for organisations committed to reducing the imact of crises by accelerating their own action and mobilising others. Many organisations that have signed on to the charter, also have listed documentation of their targets, action plans and public commitments.
Credit: Climate Charter
Thorough reading time: 20-30 minutesThe Humanitarian Carbon Calculator
The Humanitarian Carbon Calculator allows organizations to assess the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with their activities. This in turn makes it possible to set reduction targets and to build emission reduction plans. The Humanitarian Carbon Calculator can also be used to monitor the evolution of an organization’s emissions over time, thereby assessing the effectiveness of efforts to reduce emissions.
Credit: Climate Charter
Thorough reading time: 10-20 hoursGreen Office Checklist
University New South Wales' Green Office Checklist to assess how sustainable your workspace is, and identify actions to improve.
Credit: UNSWEnvironmental impact in procurement - goods and services procurement guide (2023)
Tools and Guidance from Victoria's Enviornmental Protection Agency on lowering your organisation's environmental impact. Includes Environmental Improvement Plans, Carbon Management Plans, Improving resource efficiency
Credit: Victorian Government
Thorough reading time: 15-20 minutesSustainability Action Planning
Australian Government's guidance for businesses to develop a sustainability action plan, including a link to a sustainability action plan template.
Credit: Australian Government
Thorough reading time: 10-15 minutesGreen Office Climate Calculator
Measure the carbon footprint of your workplace with the climate calculator.
Credit: WWF