Sustainability and climate change: Taking action at RCPsych
In 2021, the College committed to achieving net zero in our position statement, which outlines a planetary diagnosis of the ongoing climate and ecological crises, and the ways in which the College can take action.
Our commitment to achieving net zero
‘[We] commit the College to an ambitious plan for sustainability, including a pledge that by 2040, it will achieve net-zero carbon dioxide levels for emissions it directly controls.’
Please see below to find out more about how we're making a difference.
Operations
Operational sustainability forms an essential part of our commitment, as it ensures we can continue to provide essential services whilst prioritising the minimisation of potential harmful impact on the environment. Within the programme, we focus on the operational aspects required for the College to run as successful business, and how we can continue to meet business need whilst embedding sustainability into our core functions.
This means that we are able to set achievable targets and actions, implement sustainable practices and measure and report our carbon portfolio. We also focus on engaging with the workforce through groups such as staff sustainability champions, where we manage and the College’s annual green week.
ISO 14001
One way we’re able to do this, is through our environmental management system [EMS]. Our EMS has been developed to support our net zero target and provide a structured approach to sustainable management. Our EMS is certified to the global environmental standard, ISO 14001:2015.
Environment and Sustainability Policy
This policy outlines the expectations and commitments of the College with regards to its net zero and sustainability programme.