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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

3.2 Public transport + Active 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:

3.4 Online sessions

3.5 Purchase of Instruments

3.6 Food

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