Introduction At SH Policy Support, we recognise the importance of sustainability in ensuring long-term growth and success, while fulfilling our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to our clients, the community, and the planet. This Sustainability Policy outlines our commitment to adopting environmentally responsible practices in our business operations, in line with key regulations and best practices established by national and international standards.

Scope This policy applies to all areas of our business, including consultancy services, training, audits, and administration. It aims to integrate sustainability into our day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making.

1. Commitment to Environmental Sustainability SH Policy Support is dedicated to reducing our environmental impact by:

• Reducing Carbon Footprint: Minimising energy consumption in our office and operations by using energy-efficient devices, limiting travel where possible, and promoting remote consultations and meetings.
• Waste Management: Adhering to the principles of the waste hierarchy—reduce, reuse, recycle—across all business activities. We will ensure the responsible disposal of electronic waste and promote digital documentation to reduce paper use.
• Sustainable Procurement: Partnering with suppliers who align with our sustainability goals and prioritising eco-friendly products, services, and materials where possible.
• Sustainable Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transport, car-sharing schemes, or walking/cycling where feasible. For necessary travel, we will evaluate low-emission options.

2. Compliance with Legislation and Regulations SH Policy Support will comply with all relevant environmental regulations and legislation, including but not limited to:

• The Environment Act 2021: Ensuring compliance with this key UK legislation that addresses issues such as air quality, waste management, and biodiversity.
• Net Zero Strategy: Supporting the UK government’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, contributing through our own operational reductions and supporting clients in sustainable practices.
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems: We aim to align our internal processes with the ISO 14001 framework to enhance our environmental performance and sustainable practices.
• Bristol City Council’s One City Climate Strategy (2020-2030): Committing to local environmental initiatives by contributing to Bristol’s aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

3. Responsible Business Practices As part of our CSR, SH Policy Support strives to:

• Support Local Communities: Collaborate with local businesses and organisations to promote sustainable practices and social responsibility. We aim to engage with projects that benefit the environment and support local economies, particularly in the Bristol region.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Ensure all business decisions are made with sustainability in mind, balancing economic success with environmental and social responsibility.
• Employee Education and Engagement: Provide ongoing training and resources to employees, fostering awareness and encouraging sustainable behaviour in the workplace and beyond.

4. Monitoring and Reporting We will regularly monitor and assess the environmental impact of our operations. Progress will be reported annually, and we will set measurable sustainability objectives, making improvements where necessary to achieve our goals.

5. Continual Improvement This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that SH Policy Support remains aligned with evolving environmental standards and practices. We are committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of sustainability and welcome feedback from clients, partners, and stakeholders to guide future initiatives.

Conclusion Through the implementation of this Sustainability Policy, SH Policy Support commits to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable future for the community and the planet. We believe that sustainable practices are integral to our success and the success of the businesses we serve.