Environmental and Sustainibility Policy

Summary

This policy sets out TRAIN’s commitment to operating responsibly and taking proportionate steps to reduce waste and resource use across its operations in Didcot and Wallingford.

Implementation

Overseen by the Youth Work Manager, with support from all staff and volunteers.

1. Purpose and Scope

TRAIN recognises that all organisations have a part to play in protecting the environment. As a small, community-based youth charity, our environmental impact is limited, but we are committed to operating responsibly and taking proportionate steps to reduce waste and resource use.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers and activities delivered by TRAIN in Didcot, Wallingford and the surrounding areas.

We also recognise that many of the young people and families we support face significant economic hardship. For some, environmental sustainability is not an immediate concern, and awareness levels may be low. Our approach therefore begins with achievable actions, focused on awareness, respect for shared spaces and small steps that build understanding over time.

2. Commitments and Principles

Our approach is guided by the following principles:

• Proportionate action: We will make practical improvements that reflect our size, capacity and local context.
• Education through example: We will model good environmental habits in our own practice, helping young people to learn through participation rather than instruction.
• Continuous improvement: We will review our practices annually and make achievable adjustments.

3. Buildings and Operations

TRAIN operates from youth centres in Didcot and Wallingford.

We recognise that our Didcot site is energy-inefficient, with limited scope for structural improvements as tenants. We will continue to advocate to our landlord for environmental upgrades such as improved insulation and LED lighting.

Within our control, we will:

• Switch off lights and equipment when not in use.
• Avoid unnecessary printing and use recycled materials where practical.
• Recycle waste wherever local facilities allow (currently operational in Wallingford, with an aspiration to introduce this in Didcot).
• Limit the use of single-use plastics in our sessions and events.

4. Travel and Transport

TRAIN operates primarily within Didcot and Wallingford, so most staff and volunteers travel short local distances. For longer journeys and trips with young people:

• We will use public transport wherever reasonable and safe.
• We will encourage staff and volunteers to car-share to reduce mileage.
• We will discourage young people from travelling individually by car to group activities when shared or public transport is available.
• We will continue to minimise car use in daily operations by maintaining our local delivery model.

5. Procurement and Resources

We will:

• Use local suppliers and contractors where possible to reduce transport miles and support the local economy.
• Purchase products and materials that are durable, repairable or responsibly sourced where affordable.
• Avoid unnecessary purchases and reuse or repurpose items where suitable for youth work delivery.
• Consider environmental factors when procuring new equipment or services, in proportion to cost and practicality.
• Promote the purchase of second-hand equipment, e.g. phones, IT etc.

6. Education and Awareness

Environmental action within TRAIN begins with respect for shared spaces and responsibility for one’s community.

We will:

• Encourage young people to keep spaces tidy and dispose of waste appropriately.
• Model small, achievable habits such as reusing bottles, turning off lights and using bins correctly.
• Integrate light-touch environmental awareness into relevant projects or discussions when appropriate to the context and interest of young people.
• Promote trips and activities for young people in the natural environment, such as our beach, quarry and sailing trips.
• Continue developing a culture where caring for one’s surroundings is linked to wider wellbeing and citizenship.

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the management team and shared with trustees. Updates will reflect our capacity, opportunities for improvement and any feedback from funders or partners.

Implementation will be overseen by the Youth Work Manager, with support from all staff and volunteers.