As a global organisation, we are concerned about the potential impacts of climate change on the regions and communities in which we operate and are committed to being an environmentally and socially responsible organisation that actively monitors and mitigates the impact of its decisions, policies and actions on people, nature and the climate.
With this Climate Policy, Preferred by Nature intends to establish itself as an accountable organisation that is capable of practicing what we preach by enforcing sustainability criteria on internal as well as external business practices that are in alignment with both our strategy and international best practices.
Scope
This Climate Policy covers all Preferred by Nature operations. The policy applies to all individuals while performing work on behalf of Preferred by Nature, including employees, contractors, and Board members. Employees and representatives of Preferred by Nature must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling this responsibility and comply with all applicable laws and regulations and Preferred by Nature Policies.
Commitment
Preferred by Nature is committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels). Although we acknowledge that this is indeed a very ambitious target for our truly global organisation and that it may or may not be achieved, we are nevertheless committed to do our best in achieving it and failure of reaching so shall be justified in writing to our members and board.
Management
We are committed to calculate, manage, reduce, and report on the carbon footprint arising from the operations of all its subsidiaries. This shall be done in accordance with our own Carbon Footprint Management Standard. More specifically, we are committed to the following:
- conduct on a yearly basis quantified reporting on our carbon footprint and in doing so follow best practices and the principles of accuracy, completeness, consistency, and relevance
- implement appropriate measures to reduce our carbon footprint and offset irreducible emissions by buying credible carbon credits when available and/or investing in carbon and/or other project activities, that serve to advance Preferred by Nature’s overall vision and mission
- evaluate on a yearly basis performance against emissions reductions and offsetting targets set in our carbon footprint management plan
- being transparent and to publicly disclose key data in relation to our carbon footprint as well as our progress towards carbon emissions reductions
Travel
Business travel is an integral and essential part of many staff members’ responsibilities and, hence, useful, and necessary, for the effectiveness of our organisation. However, some travel can be avoided. Staff members and others who travel on behalf of Preferred by Nature are strongly encouraged to limit the amount of travel they undertake and it should not be undertaken if the same results could be achieved through other cost-effective means. All staff members are therefore encouraged to carefully consider the need for travel and to consider alternatives such as using video or teleconferencing, using local staff/contractors where relevant, and reducing the overall number of attendees at any meeting or event as well as optimising the location and length of any travel. If travel is deemed necessary, it should where feasible be undertaken in environmentally responsible ways to minimise the overall environmental footprint of the organisation. Specific principles, guidelines and requirements are stipulated our Responsible Travel Policy.
Procurement
We are committed to ensuring that stringent environmental and social considerations are an integrated part of its purchases. Preferred by Nature shall procure materials, products and services produced in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. Specific principles, guidelines and requirements are set forward in our Responsible Procurement Policy.
Culture
Preferred by Nature strongly encourages all its employees to think consciously about their work habits and the potential impact of so on the environment. Resource and electricity saving behaviour shall be practiced in all our offices. In addition, we strongly encourage our staff to commute using environmentally friendly methods of transportation such as bicycles and public transportation where feasible.
Partners and stakeholders
We aim to promote sustainable practices in landscapes and supply chains. Our focus is to promote the increased adoption of sustainable practices in production landscapes and supply chains where the greatest potential for positive impact lies, leading to a healthier environment and climate, and sustainable livelihoods. Where feasible, Preferred by Nature shall strive to mobilise, discuss, and share knowledge, expertise, and technology with external stakeholders to support our combined efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. As an example, we are actively engaging with the certification schemes we work with to implement auditing practices that reduce carbon emissions related to travelling.
This policy was approved by Peter Feilberg, Preferred by Nature´s Executive Director on 16 November 2020.