Environmental Protection Policy

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC

Company number 17051741

Environmental Protection Policy

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1. Statement of Intent

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC recognises that we have a responsibility to look after the environment in which we live and work. As a community-focused organisation, we want to set a positive example for the people we work with and the partners we collaborate with.

This policy sets out the practical steps we take to reduce our environmental impact. We do not over-promise: we are a small CIC, and we focus on what we can realistically deliver and improve year on year.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all activities we run, all sites we use, all staff, volunteers and trustees, and all partners working with us.

3. Principles

• Be honest: we will not 'greenwash' or claim more than we do.
• Be practical: we focus on changes that fit our scale and budget.
• Lead by example: we show participants that small changes matter.
• Work with partners: we ask the same of suppliers and venues.
• Improve year on year: we set small targets and review them.

4. Energy and Resources

Where we have direct control (in offices and any premises we manage), we will:

• Switch off lights, screens and equipment when not in use
• Choose energy-efficient equipment when buying or replacing
• Use natural light and ventilation where possible
• Set sensible heating and cooling temperatures
• Use energy suppliers offering renewable tariffs where price and quality allow

Where we use partner venues, we will choose venues that take energy use seriously where there is a real choice.

5. Travel

Travel is often the biggest environmental impact for small community organisations. We will:

• Encourage active travel (walking, cycling) where possible, including for participants
• Promote public transport for staff, volunteers and participants
• Plan sessions and meetings to reduce unnecessary travel
• Use online meetings where they work as well as in-person ones
• Group multiple visits or sessions together to reduce trips
• Consider lower-emission vehicles when fleet or hire decisions are made

6. Waste and Recycling

We will:

• Use recycling facilities at all our sites where available
• Reduce single-use plastics, including water bottles, cups, plates and cutlery
• Refill water bottles rather than buying new ones
• Print only when needed, and print double-sided in black and white where possible
• Reuse paper, equipment and resources where safe and appropriate
• Pass on usable items to other community groups when we no longer need them
• Dispose of waste, including electrical items, safely and legally

7. Food and Refreshments

Where we provide food and drink:

• Cater for the numbers expected, to reduce waste
• Offer plant-based options as standard
• Use reusable cups, plates and cutlery where possible
• Source from local suppliers where price and quality allow
• Compost food waste where facilities exist

8. Purchasing

When buying goods and services we will, where reasonable:

• Choose products that are durable, repairable and recyclable
• Buy from local suppliers
• Avoid products with excessive packaging
• Ask suppliers about their own environmental practices

We accept that price, safety and quality are also key factors. Environmental considerations will be one factor among several.

9. Outdoor Spaces

When we work in parks, green spaces and community grounds:

• We will leave the space as we found it, or better
• We will take litter away with us
• We will respect nature, wildlife and other users
• We will not damage trees, plants or wildlife habitats
• We will encourage participants to value and care for these spaces

10. Working with Children and Young People

Our environmental commitments are also a learning opportunity. We will:

• Talk about environmental responsibility in age-appropriate ways
• Involve participants in litter picks, recycling and active travel
• Use environmental projects as part of education and wellbeing work

11. Partners and Suppliers

Where we have a choice of partners, we will give weight to environmental practice. Where we work with public sector partners, we will support their environmental commitments and provide information requested for their reporting.

12. Climate-Related Risks

We recognise that climate change can affect community work, for example through heatwaves, flooding, transport disruption and air pollution. We will:

• Consider weather and climate risks in our session planning and risk assessments
• Adjust activities during extreme heat, cold or poor air quality
• Support participants who may be more vulnerable to climate-related health issues

13. Measuring Progress

Each year the Founder will:

• Review what we have done well and where we can improve
• Set two or three practical targets for the year ahead (such as reducing print use, increasing public transport, switching a supplier)
• Report progress to the Board

14. Roles and Responsibilities

• The Board sets the policy and reviews it annually
• The Founder leads on day-to-day implementation
• Staff and volunteers follow the policy and contribute ideas
• Participants are invited to take part in environmental activities

15. Training and Awareness

Environmental awareness is included in induction. Staff and volunteers are encouraged to share ideas and good practice.

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Policy Review

This policy was adopted on 14 February 2026 and will be reviewed annually, with the next scheduled review in February 2027. It will also be reviewed earlier if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or our activities.

All staff, volunteers and trustees will be made aware of any updates and asked to confirm they have read and understood the revised version.

Signed on behalf of the Board