The CIPP’s business support coordinator, Amir Aziz ACIPP, introduces the CIPP’s sustainability roadmap, and provides an update on how we’re fighting climate change

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We know the planet is facing huge environmental challenges. Increased wildfires, soaring temperatures and rising sea levels are just a few. Some say the challenges are too large to overcome, but many argue this is still achievable if we act now. The CIPP believes in the cause and is determined to do its part in the fight against climate change. So, you may wonder exactly what we’ve been up to recently. Well...

I want you to cast your minds back to December 2021. Memorable to say the least – the world was basking in the glory of the masterpiece just released in cinemas – arguably one of the greatest Spiderman movies of all time. Well, move over Marvel, the CIPP had been cooking up a masterpiece all of its own. *Drum roll*. Proudly introducing the CIPP’s sustainability roadmap. *Insert applause here*.

I thought it would be important to explain a bit about what the roadmap is, and what it means for the CIPP.

Officially launched in April 2022, the sustainability roadmap is our comprehensive strategy of actions we aim to complete in the leadup to our net zero target of 2035. Developed in partnership with all relevant stakeholders, the roadmap outlines the CIPP’s commitments to tackling climate change, while also adhering to the standards outlined within the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

The roadmap covers several areas, which include:

• estate and operations

• travel

• biodiversity

• waste

• food

• procurement or engagement

• feedback.

It focuses on all areas of the business and how we can act in a more sustainable manner going forward. Whether it’s making practical changes or even encouraging conversation within the industry, we aim for the CIPP to lead by example – setting the benchmark for what other organisations should be doing as a minimum.

I know what you’re thinking – how are you ever going to achieve all this? Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the CIPP is committed to working towards a better, more sustainable future for all. With backing from senior management, staff and members alike, we’ve developed the roadmap with realistic and achievable goals we can meet with the right commitment of time and resources.

But how will we govern everything we said we want to do? Good question, and that’s where our climate champions come into place. Dubbed the Avengers of the sustainability world, the climate champions are the CIPP’s designated volunteer group committed to keeping the company in line with the actions outlined in the roadmap. Through regular monthly catchups, our champions will be sharing their ideas, thoughts, and feelings on how we’re faring, and the actions we hope to complete in the month ahead. This holds the CIPP accountable to everything it has promised to, not only its members, but also to planet earth.

I’ll leave you with a quote from the nation’s treasure, otherwise known as Sir David Attenborough. A man whose voice alone could turn a nation of disbelievers into achievers: “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it”. 

It doesn’t stop there. We would like you to join in the debate. Got any thoughts on what the CIPP has done so far, how you think it can do any better or even some tips and tricks of your own? Why not email into [email protected] and be in with a chance of being featured in our next article?

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