Cultivating change: Inspiring Sustainable Practices in the Charity Sector  

From youth enterprises to community clothing initiatives, these organisations are not just acknowledging their impact on the planet; they’re taking action to make things better. By embedding eco-friendly practices into their missions, they’re transforming the cultural landscape and encouraging audiences to think about their own relationship with the environment. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some amazing examples of organisations leading the way in sustainability, showing how creativity and care for our planet can go hand in hand. 

Shelter Scotland’s Eco-Friendly Housing Initiative  

Shelter Scotland has been piloting innovative housing solutions that provide green homes. Working in partnership with social housing providers and architects, they’ve developed energy-efficient modular homes using sustainable materials. 

These homes are designed to tackle both the housing crisis and climate crisis simultaneously by: 

• Reducing heating costs through improved insulation 

• Incorporating solar panels and heat pumps 

• Using reclaimed and recycled materials wherever possible 

Shelter also offers guidance for tenants on reducing their carbon footprint and lowering energy bills, empowering people to live more sustainably. 

Heeley City Farm (Sheffield, South Yorkshire)  

Heeley City Farm is a community-based and led training, employment, and youth enterprise in Sheffield. Founded in 1981, the farm includes a wind and sun-powered mini-farm and several environmental social enterprises and attractions. They provide environmental, health, food, and farming education to around 5,000 school children and several thousand adult visitors each year. It also demonstrates practical ways to improve home energy efficiency, offering workshops on insulation, solar power, and reducing household emissions. 

Fit for the Future Network 

Fit for the Future is a network of over 100 member organisations across the UK that have undertaken a broad range of environmental sustainability projects to decarbonise, adapt to climate change, and drive positive environmental impacts. Their case studies include initiatives by organisations like the Field Studies Council, Portsmouth Cathedral, and Adnams Brewery, showcasing diverse approaches to sustainability in various sectors. 

The network connects the hundreds of environmental practitioners from within their member organisations so they can share best practice and practical solutions. From managing resources to adapting to climate-change, Fit for the Future members are ensuring their land, buildings and operations become fit for the future by working together.  

Here are a few examples of the impact the network has had on UK organisations:  

• The Whitworth Underwent a major capital development that integrated sustainability into its operations, including energy-efficient building designs and sustainable procurement practices. 

• British Heart Foundation: Improved the environmental sustainability of its 738 charity shops nationwide by reducing waste, taking action on plastics, and implementing energy-efficient measures. 

• Oxford House: Secured funding to restore an historic building in London's East End, incorporating climate-resilient features and ensuring its continued use as a community hub. 

Award winning work 

Salvation Army  

The charity shops were named Charity Retail Association’s Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year and also won the Environmental and Sustainability award. This is the second time the charity won the Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year Award in the past four years – winning it in 2022 and 2024, and being shortlisted in 2021 and 2023. 

In 2022 the Salvation Army launched its 5-Year Strategic Plan under the theme of ‘Dare to CARE’– this included new performance measures for People, Planet and Profit. CARE represents the organisation’s values of compassion, accountability, respect and equality - this theme has resonated strongly with their colleagues and further nurtured SATCoL’s culture to help others. The company continues to invest in its successful donation centres and refurbishing more high street shops – ten new donation centres opened, and nine high street shops were refurbished in the year 2022-23. 

SATCoL has also invested heavily in world-leading innovations including Fibersort the UK’s only automatic sorting process that accurately identifies and sorts second-hand garments by fibre type, and Project Re:claim, the world’s first commercial-scale polyester recycling plant designed to recycle end-of-life textiles. Project Re:claim is a joint venture with Project Plan B. 

SATCoL, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of its parent charity, exists to ‘enable mission and provide resources to help the work of The Salvation Army’. In the past ten years alone, SATCoL has raised over £100m for The Salvation Army. 

A whole lotta green space 

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm (Leeds) 

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a 24-acre community farm that integrates agriculture, education, and sustainability. Established in 1980, the farm offers a variety of activities, including organic farming, wildlife habitats, and educational programs for schools and disadvantaged groups. It also provides allotments for local residents, fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable food practices. 

Some highlights from the farm’s work include: 

• The farm promotes sustainable agriculture through its organic farming methods. All food grown on the farm is cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic chemicals. This not only benefits the local community but also promotes a healthier environment. 

• The farm has dedicated areas for wildlife conservation. This includes building wildlife habitats such as ponds, woodland areas, and hedgerows, providing homes for local species of birds, insects, and small mammals. 

• The farm runs educational programmes for schools, families, and local community groups. These programmes teach children and adults about sustainable farming, organic gardening, wildlife conservation, and the importance of local food production. The farm also offers volunteering opportunities, which gives people the chance to contribute to the farm's sustainability efforts. 

As we face climate change, it is vital that organisations of all sizes contribute to sustainability. Putting in measures to combat climate change, however big or small, can collectively make a significant impact on the health of our planet.  

Every organisation can play a role in fighting for a greener future. What will yours be?