Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) supports the voluntary sector to succeed and meet the needs of local communities. GCVS works in partnership with various organisations and agencies to tackle poverty and inequality, and to create opportunities for all citizens of Glasgow. The organisation applied for the Step Up to Net Zero (SUTNZ) programme to start adopting more circular practices, avoid unnecessary waste, increase its awareness of best practices to protect our environment, and explore solutions to make its premises more energy efficient. Through the programme, GCVS were able to recruit a knowledgeable and proactive Sustainability Coordinator, Olivia, who was given a four month placement to work on an action plan to help the organisation work towards Glasgow’s 2030 and 2045 Net Zero targets.
RESULTS
- A document that lists all the alterations that can be made to GCVS’ building to increase their efficiency and reduce their energy consumption/emissions.
- A compressive environmental policy including areas of development that she identified in each area of the business.
- The establishment of a green team.
HOW THEY DID IT
Through the programme, GCVS was able to recruit a proactive and knowledgeable Sustainability Coordinator, Olivia, who was able to integrate sustainable initiatives quickly and efficiently into its premises. With Olivia’s help, the company has also been able to calculate its carbon footprint more accurately and regularly and is now able to adopt circular economy practices.
The company has managed to find a new supplier that operates more in line with its waste management goals and best practices. In addition to this, GCVS has updated its procurement policy and procedures which now include a net zero procurement questionnaire. During her time at GCVS, Olivia recruited another seven employees and they now meet regularly to discuss a number of topics from waste management to staff training and office best practices.
The newly formed Green Team will work alongside other team members to promote sustainability initiatives and best practices within the organisation.
After the completion of the SUTNZ placement, Olivia has been offered an opportunity to extend her role to achieve the company’s Net Zero and circular goals.
As a team, GCVS will continue to take action in carbon reduction projects and identify opportunities for improvement within both the team as well as organisation wide. Overall, the company is now in a much better position to share its experience and best practices to support the Third Sector.