When people think about charity compliance, they usually think of safeguarding, governance, or financial reporting. But increasingly, sustainability is becoming part of that picture-and charities across the UK are having to catch up fast.

At the most basic level, charities are expected to manage their resources responsibly. That doesn’t just mean being careful with money-it also means thinking about the impact of their operations on the environment(1). The Charity Commission is starting to take a closer look at how charities align their activities with long-term sustainability, especially as climate change becomes more of a social and economic issue(2).

For some charities, particularly larger ones, there are more formal obligations. If your organisation owns buildings, for example, you may need valid Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)(3). If you manage a fleet or handle waste, there are environmental regulations that may apply, such as proper disposal rules or vehicle emissions standards.

Then there’s reporting. While smaller charities aren’t yet required to disclose environmental data, many funders are now asking for it. That means even informal tracking-like energy use, carbon emissions, or recycling rates-can be important to demonstrate progress and accountability.

If your charity bids for government contracts, sustainability is becoming even more crucial. Public procurement now includes social value as a factor in decision-making. Showing that your organisation is environmentally responsible can improve your chances of winning bids.

Data protection laws, like the UK GDPR, also come into play when charities gather information as part of green initiatives. Whether it's volunteer travel logs or energy audits, handling that data responsibly is part of staying compliant(4).

Ultimately, sustainability compliance isn’t just about avoiding trouble-it’s about aligning with best practices and demonstrating that your charity is ready for the future. It might take time and support, but it’s becoming an essential part of running a responsible, modern organisation.

Bibliography

1 Environmental responsibility for charities (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/environmental-responsibility-for-charities

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

3 Guide to EPCs and MEES for charity landlords (Accessed May 2025) https://www.birketts.co.uk/legal-update/guide-to-epcs-and-mees-for-charity-landlords/

4 The UK's data protection legislation (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/data-protection