Policies
Step one - Beginner
Developing a strong policy framework is key to embedding sustainability into your business.
This guide will help you develop a single Environmental Policy, including your approach to Travel, Procurement, Waste and monitoring your Carbon Footprint. Larger businesses may benefit from developing separate policies to address each of these topics.
Build a strong framework
Before writing a policy document, you should consider what your goals are in relation to embedding sustainability, working towards net zero and embracing the circular economy.
Download our Values and Motivations template to help develop your goals for your environmental policy.
If you haven’t already, it may be useful to return to the Core Resource page to work through the Carbon Footprint, Travel, Procurement and Supply Chain and Waste Management sections first.
- Assess your business’s current environmental impact: Review energy use, emissions, waste, and resource consumption to identify key areas for improvement.
- Identify relevant regulations and standards: Ensure alignment with legal and industry sustainability requirements, such as the Environment Act 2021, ISO 14001 Certification, or the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Define your net zero goals: Set clear targets, such as achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045, in line with national commitments.
Writing your Policy
A strong Environmental Policy should be clear, concise and typically no more than one page in length. Include these key headings:
- Introduction and Purpose
- Scope
- Environmental Objectives and Targets
- Action Plan
- Employee and Stakeholder Engagement
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Continuous Improvement
Use our Writing a Policy Guide to help you write your own Environmental Policy document.
Reviewing and Approvals
Once you have drafted your policy document, it’s important to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
- Engage with the wider team, including senior management, to ensure alignment with business goals.
- Make sure your policy format is easy to access for all – use clear and simple language and where possible, include visual elements.
Additional Policies to Consider
Using the above guide, you may decide to create separate documents to cover:
- Waste Management
- Business Travel
- Sustainable Procurement
- Carbon Footprint