The World Economic Forum Global Risk Report for 2022 details that the top 3 risks to the planet over the next 10 years are:
- Climate Action failure
- Extreme weather
- Biodiversity loss
Therefore, we take our impact on the planet seriously and will look to reduce this wherever we can.
Although our carbon footprint will be low as a small consultancy firm, we believe that every business (regardless of size) and every person has a responsibility to protect the planet and all living creatures which inhabit it. At Warhurst Associates, we want to leave the planet in a better condition for future generations. This is why we have our Sustainability Promise in place.
We will align our promise to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (shown in brackets against each promise).
Therefore, our promise is:
- We will use 100% renewable electricity in our home based offices by the FY24 (UN SDG 7)
- We will measure our carbon footprint in our first year of trading, covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. (UN SDG 13)
- From the initial baseline, we will look to reduce our emissions on a year on year basis wherever we can. (UN SDG 13)
- Where we cannot remove the emissions, we will offset the remaining emissions via verified neutralisation carbon credits. (UN SDG 13, 14, 15)
- We will aim to be Carbon Neutral to PAS2060 by FY26. (UN SDG 13)
- We will publish this information on the website so our clients can see this
- We will be a paperless business to reduce our impact on the woodlands around the world. (UN SDG 15)
- Our website will be Net Zero through linking this to Tree-nation and the emissions from the website will be offset through verified tree planting
- We will partner with Tree-nation to plant a tree for every new item of work we take on to assist in the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. (UN SDG 15). Click here to see our forest commitment
- We will provide free support and advice to charities and food banks (who meet our criteria) who request it to help maintain food safety for these organisations to reduce food poverty. (UN SDG 2)
In July 2023, we signed up to the Yorkshire & Humber Climate Action Pledge and are committed to taking action to:
- Become 'climate ready' - adapting to our changing climate, becoming resilient to future impacts.
- Reduce our carbon emissions, with the goal of reaching 'net zero'.
- Enhance nature and biodiversity.
- Help promote a just transition that leaves no-one and nowhere behind.
With this promise, we aim to be one of the few small consultancy firms in the UK which will openly measure and share our sustainability credentials.
This promise will be reviewed on an annual basis to see what further work can be completed.