Charities across the UK are under growing pressure to prove their environmental credentials-but doing so isn’t always straightforward.

For many, sustainability is something they deeply care about. After all, charities often exist to improve lives and build a better world. But the reality of tight budgets, limited staffing, and operational pressures can make it difficult to act on those ideals.

Take the simple act of making buildings greener. It might sound easy in theory, but retrofitting old community centres or charity shops can be expensive. Even switching to renewable energy providers or replacing lighting with LEDs is tough when every pound is already stretched to the limit.

Another big challenge is data-or rather, the lack of it. Larger organisations may have the systems and expertise to track carbon footprints and measure their progress. But smaller charities often don’t know where to start. What should they be measuring? Who can help? And can they even afford it?

Then there’s the issue of travel and transport. Many charities rely on face-to-face services, outreach vans, and deliveries of food or supplies. While some have cut back on travel thanks to digital tools, many still need boots on the ground. Cutting emissions in those areas isn’t easy.

Add to that the growing expectations from funders. More grants now include environmental criteria, and donors are asking tougher questions about impact beyond social outcomes. It’s not just about doing good anymore-it’s about doing it sustainably(1).

All of this is unfolding in a changing regulatory environment, where rules about reporting, energy use, and waste management are becoming stricter. For a sector built on goodwill and hard work, keeping up with those changes can feel like a heavy burden.

Despite the good intentions and strong values, the path to sustainability for UK charities is often filled with practical and financial hurdles that require support, creativity, and shared learning to overcome.

Bibliography

1Key challenges and opportunities facing the charity sector (Accessed May 2025) https://www.cafonline.org/insights/blog/charities-blog/challenges-and-opportunties-facing-charity-sector