1. Our Ambition
In line with the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C against pre-industrial levels1, and the United Nations ‘Race to Zero’ campaign2, Chiltern Music Therapy set an aim of reaching net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025, and reaching net zero overall by 20353. This will be achieved through an annual reduction in our carbon footprint per session of 5%.
2. Limitations
As the majority of our carbon emissions are created by staff owned vehicles (ie. Scope 3), we acknowledge that the reduction of our carbon footprint is not fully within our hands as an organisation. Despite this we commit to doing all we can to reduce mileage and aid the transition away from petrol/diesel vehicles. Alongside this we will continue to reduce the other emissions that are within our direct control (ie. Scope 1&2).
3. How can we achieve this?
3.1 Driving Reduction Strategy
- New clients and settings are assigned to the most local practitioner whenever possible.
- Local ‘hubs’ are being developed to bring local clients together and reduce staff travel.
- Staff are encouraged to organise their schedule to minimise their mileage between sessions.
- If staff currently have high mileage for an exisiting client/setting, the Scheduling Team may look to reallocate this client/setting, if it is appropriate for the client/setting and will not create too much unallocated time for the therapist.
- Chiltern are engaging with other music therapy organisations in order to signpost referrals elsewhere if they are unable to provide a local therapist.
3.2 Public transport + Active travel
- Staff are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport whenever possible. Sets of second hand instruments can be provided at work settings if it enables staff not to use their car.
- Staff can be reimbursed up to £20 per day for the use of public transport, and this limit can be extended after consultation with the Delivery Guardian and Scheduling Lead.
- Staff can be reimbursed 30p per mile from the first mile when using their bike to travel.
3.3 Use of Air Travel
In order for Chiltern to approve and fund the use of air travel for business purposes it must satisy the following criteria:
- Other modes of transport have first been considered (eg. train or coach), and always used as a first choice if journey times are less than 6 hours.
- There must be a significant benefit to the person attending in person rather than online.
- There must be a significant benefit (financial or other) to Chiltern for the person’s attendance.
- An exception can be made if caring responsibilities require a faster travel time.
3.4 Online sessions
- Online sessions are offered as an option to new clients and services. We are aware that our Service Users generally prefer and find it easier to access in-person sessions however, so online sessions will never be used if unsuitable.
- Meetings generally take place online, except for occasional team meetings where it is felt the benefit of being in-person outweighs the environmental impact.
3.5 Purchase of Instruments
- When needing additional instruments, staff should first utilise the internal ‘Instrument Shop’ to check if another staff member has an unused one that they can have.
- Similarly if staff have unused instruments they should list these in the ‘Instrument Shop’.
- If nothing is available in the ‘Instrument Shop’ staff should search for second hand instruments in the first instance.
- New instruments should only be purchased when all other options have been unsuccesful.
3.6 Food
- When catering for meetings/events, Chiltern will endeavour to provide ethical, low carbon footprint food where possible. This could include meat-free options, locally produced food, and food with low air miles.
- An exception can be made for people with medical and/or complex sensory dietary requirements.
- Staff are encouraged to go meat-free when providing their own food, although this will be a personal choice.
- Rationale: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that livestock production is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while other organisations have estimated it could be as much as 51%.
4. Inclusivity
This policy has undergone an Equality Impact Assessment before being published in order to ensure that equality, diversity, cohesion and integration is at the heart of any decisions being made. Chiltern Music Therapy acknowledges that well-meaning environmental ambitions can sometimes still inadvertently penalise groups who may be socially disadvantaged, and will continue to work to ensure that this is not the case with this policy.
5. Responsibility for Implementation of the Policy
Chiltern Music Therapy is an employee-owned not-for-profit organisation and operates within a self-managing model and structure. This means that the Company does not have a system of line management or chains of command, and that each individual employee, contractor and volunteer is responsible for managing their own time and caseload. The onus is on the individual Personnel/Practitioner to take responsibility and seek support for matters relating to equality impact assessments in their work for Chiltern Music Therapy. The Company reciprocally resolves to provide support, training and guidance as necessary.
We are all responsible for the implementation of this policy. You should ensure that you take the time to read and understand the policy and should you have any questions about its content or application, contact the Life Circle.
The Environment & Sustainability Lead has overall responsibility for the effective operation of this policy. Responsibility for monitoring and reviewing the operation of this policy and making any recommendations for change to minimise risks to our operations also lies with the Environment & Sustainability Lead.
6. References
1. https://unfccc.int/most-requested/key-aspects-of-the-paris-agreement
2. https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/system/race-to-zero/
3. https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-are-scope-1-2-3-carbon-emissions