what we are doing

Current initiatives through which Progressio is seeking to reduce the environmental impact of its activities include:

• promoting office recycling: reusing envelopes and scrap paper, and setting up recycling points for paper, cardboard, glass, metal and plastics
• switching our office electricity supplier to a green provider (Ecotricity)
• reducing office energy use: notices and reminders encouraging staff to switch off computers, monitors, printers, photocopiers, office lights, etc, when not in use, and to restrict the use of air conditioning and heaters
• switching to organic and fair trade suppliers for tea, coffee, milk, etc
• installing a water filter in place of bottled water coolers
• banning paper/plastic cups and plates and providing reuseable crockery
• ensuring all office paper supplies are 100% recycled (including toilet paper and paper towels where used)
• encouraging a paperless office by notices/reminders to consider before printing/photocopying
• ensuring all new office furniture is from sustainable/renewable sources
• ensuring all Progressio publications are printed on 100% recycled paper by printers with accreditation for following international environmental standards
• carrying out an audit of Progressio print publications with a view to reducing print useage and promoting dissemination of publications in electronic formats
• installing Skype and videoconferencing facilities for meetings and seminars
• carrying out a staff travel survey and encouraging walking, cycling and use of public transport for commuting to work and travelling to and from meetings
• researching the organisation's carbon footprint for international travel with a view to reviewing the organisational travel policy
• passing on energy saving tips to our country offices

In 2009, Progressio produced its first audited Environmental Assessment.  It itemises the environmental impacts of activities at the London office and all of Progressio’s flights. (Country offices will be included in the 2010 Environmental Assessment.) The information will inform decisions we make over the coming years as we aim to dramatically reduce our environmental footprint.

Our vision for 2011 (taken from Progressio’s Environmental Impact Reduction Strategy 2008-11) is:

• Progressio will have embedded environmental responsibility as a core value of the organisation including strong commitments in its 2011-2015 Strategic Framework
• Progressio will have a comprehensive understanding of its negative environmental impacts and will have practices in place to constantly measure and minimise those impacts
  
• Progressio will be seen by policy-makers, actual and potential donors/supporters, and by the third sector generally as a charity leading the way in understanding and facing up to its environmental responsibilities
  
• Progressio’s environmental change practices will exemplify integrated action – being developed and applied at all levels of the organisation in London and in country offices, and involving all staff.

October 2009