Environmental and Net Zero Policy

1.Introduction

Families and Babies (FAB) understand its responsibility to maintain a sound environmental approach within its broader mission of supporting families with breastfeeding. We recognise that this commitment also brings ethical and commercial advantages and reflects our values of sustainability, community, and care.

Even small actions can impact the environment, and FAB is committed to continually seeking ways to conserve energy, reduce waste, and promote sustainability wherever reasonably and economically practicable.

FAB’s environmental and sustainability policy applies to all areas of our work — from service delivery and campaigns to events, communications, and office operations. The policy is publicly available on FAB’s website and communicated to all staff, volunteers, and persons working on behalf of the charity.

2.Policy Commitment

FAB is committed to protecting the environment and achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with UK Government targets. Our approach combines immediate operational improvements with long-term sustainability planning across the following areas:

2.1 Purchasing

• Environmental considerations are embedded in all procurement processes.
• FAB prioritises suppliers and contractors whose environmental standards align with our own.
• Where possible, products and services are sourced from sustainable or ethical suppliers.
• FAB uses FSC-certified recycled paper for all printed materials.

2.2 Recycling and Waste Management

• FAB minimises waste production and actively reuses or recycles materials wherever possible.
• Each office operates a dry mixed recycling service.
• Heating, lighting, and appliances are used efficiently, and all equipment is turned off when not in use.
• FAB participates in a printer cartridge recycling scheme, and waste materials are reused or recycled.
• Local teams comply with the environmental and waste management policies of their respective venues.

2.3 Travel

• FAB aims to minimise the environmental impact of business travel.
• Staff and volunteers are encouraged to use Teams or Zoom as the first option for meetings.
• Where travel is necessary, environmentally friendly options such as public transport or car sharing are encouraged, balanced with safety and wellbeing.

2.4 Communications and Technology

• FAB prioritises digital communication (email, messaging, and e-newsletters) to reduce paper waste.
• Secure online collaboration and file-sharing systems are used to enable document review and editing electronically.
• Online platforms are preferred to face-to-face meetings wherever feasible.

2.5 Office Maintenance

• All staff are responsible for maintaining a clean, hygienic, and safe working environment by:
• Regularly emptying bins and cleaning shared spaces
• Cleaning spillages immediately
• Keeping kitchen and storage areas safe and hygienic
• Maintaining a clear desk policy
• Ensuring offices are tidy and free from clutter

Where FAB operates from non-owned premises, staff must ensure all areas are left clean and safe after use.

2.6 Events and Training

• FAB encourages the use of online platforms for training and events to reduce travel.
• Preference is given to venues with strong environmental policies and ethical supply chains.
• FAB promotes the use of digital materials (agendas, reports, and notes) to minimise printing.
• Online training is prioritised to reduce environmental impact and improve accessibility.

2.7 Awareness and Culture

• All staff and volunteers are accountable for using FAB’s resources responsibly and in line with our environmental values.
• FAB promotes an environmentally conscious culture through regular communication, training, and participation in sustainability initiatives such as World Breastfeeding Week.
• FAB recognises and promotes the environmental benefits of breastfeeding through education, supervision, and advocacy.

3.FAB Net Zero by 2050 Plan

3.1 Objectives

FAB will aim to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, covering:

• Office energy and utilities (Scope 1 & 2 emissions)
• Staff and volunteer travel
• Procurement and supply chain activity
• Waste generation and recycling

3.2 Key Milestones

By 2030:

• Establish baseline carbon footprint and publish annual sustainability report
• Reduce office energy consumption by 25% through efficiency measures
• Cut business travel emissions by 30% by prioritising online meetings
• Introduce a Green Procurement Policy

By 2040:

• Transition all operations to 100% renewable electricity
• Replace FAB-owned or leased vehicles with electric or hybrid alternatives
• Embed carbon reduction requirements in all contracts and partnerships

By 2050:

• Achieve net zero operational emissions, offsetting any unavoidable output through accredited carbon removal schemes
• Maintain transparent reporting and continuous improvement

4.Governance and Monitoring

The FAB Board of Trustees oversees this policy, supported by the Operations Manager and Environmental Lead. Progress will be reviewed annually, with staff and volunteer feedback used to inform continuous improvement.

5.Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect best practice, emerging technologies, and national net zero requirements.