At SCRA, we are on our journey towards achieving Net Zero and we are committed to embedding sustainability across all aspects of our organisation.

Our goal is to work in ways that are environmentally responsible, financially sustainable, and aligned with national climate targets. This commitment is reflected in our strategic planning, operational improvements, and the work of our Environmental Ambassadors.

Our Strategic Approach

In January 2024, our Strategic Sustainability Group which is chaired by our Principal Reporter, reaffirmed eight priority areas that are guiding our sustainability efforts.

These priorities are now embedded in our Corporate, Business and Locality Plans:

• Property Use – Creating energy-efficient offices and Hearing Centres.
• Energy Consumption – Using resources more intelligently and efficiently.
• Travel – Promoting active and sustainable commuting options.
• Waste Minimisation – Emphasising reduction, reuse, and recycling.
• Sustainable Procurement – Factoring in environmental, social, and economic impacts in purchasing decisions.
• Biodiversity – Enhancing and protecting our natural environment.
• Staff Awareness and Behaviour Change – Building knowledge and encouraging sustainable practices.
• Data Capture and Analysis – Tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
• Progress and Local Action.

Targets and Accountability

SCRA is committed to meeting the following sustainability targets:

• 10–20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2022/23 levels within three years.
• Zero waste to landfill by 2030.
• Net Zero GHG emissions by 2045.
• To support these goals, leads have been appointed for each of the eight priority areas and a Bridge Plan has been published outlining this work.

A monitoring and reporting framework has also been developed to track progress and ensure accountability.

Making changes

We have already seen positive changes across our estate, driven in part by our Property Strategy, energy monitoring by our Business Development Team and the efforts of our 30 Environmental Ambassadors from across the organisation who are committed to making a real difference. Each Locality has developed tailored actions within their Locality Plans to support sustainability at a local level.

In January 2025, we launched a year-long environmental awareness campaign, with a different focus every month linking to our eight sustainability priorities. The campaign has a dedicated section on our staff intranet which contains a host of resources and helpful information.

This work will continue in 2026, with a new campaign under development to enhance awareness and buy-in from all staff.

Estate and Environmental Assessments

Significant environmental improvements have been made to our buildings, including:

• Upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LEDs.
• Replacing outdated gas boilers with more efficient alternatives.
• These upgrades contribute directly to our Net Zero objectives by reducing energy consumption and emissions. Environmental assessments have been completed for all owned properties—approximately half of our estate—providing detailed recommendations for further improvements.

Work is ongoing to assess the remainder of the estate, including leased properties, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of our environmental impact across all sites.

Looking to the future

SCRA’s sustainability journey is one of continuous improvement, collaboration, and commitment. As we move forward, we will continue to refine our plans, engage our workforce, and invest in meaningful actions that support a greener, more sustainable future.

If you have any questions, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.