Our commitment to sustainability

We recently worked with over 40 social and environmental charities through a partner organisation, to understand how the needs of children and young people can be addressed amidst the climate crises. Building on the external collaborative work, during this period Barnardo’s conducted internal research into how climate threats and opportunities could affect the delivery of children’s services. ‘A Greta Future’ explored key challenges, focusing on the psychological impact of the climate crisis on children and young people, and the importance of access to nature as a source of positive mental and physical wellbeing. Recommendations from the research will inform actions for Barnardo’s’ leadership across the charity.

In 2023, Barnardo’s launched an energy efficiency campaign and developed an enhanced Energy Efficiency Training Programme for all staff and volunteers, as well as an advanced specialist module targeted at staff members with the responsibility to affect change as part of their roles. Participants have been equipped with practical knowledge, tools, and data on consumption to enable them to implement measures and lead on energy reduction initiatives and CO2 management. Barnardo’s plan to embed the learning by continuously providing refresher courses and making the programme a key part of the mandatory training offer. We also use an Ofgem accredited renewable energy supplier.

With Barnardo’s hybrid workplace offer enabling an increasing number of staff to work from home and in different locations, we have provided a Green Homes Guide to all staff. The guide covers a range of topics on energy saving to help them make sustainable changes when working at home.

Barnardo’s continue to repurpose new stores and superstores, utilising previous tenants’ fittings. Vacant new build premises are fitted out to a higher standard, incorporating modern design principles for improved thermal efficiency and reduced heating and cooling requirements.

We continue to prioritise responsible and sustainable stewardship in everything we do, ensuring environmental and social considerations are embedded in our decision making. We prioritise procuring from sustainable sources and have integrated sustainability criteria into our Procurement Processes to ensure suppliers have appropriate environmental protection measures.   

We have strengthened our Supplier Code of Conduct and we seek wherever possible to engage with suppliers on our sustainability plans, whether social or environmental to explore where we can deliver mutual benefits. We encourage our suppliers to follow (or exceed) our example and make their own commitments on sustainability.  Suppliers are expected to provide their policies, strategies and plans on sustainability at the time of selection and onboarding.