Sustainability Policy (UK) by Study Academy
Updated 29 November 2025
Sustainability Policy sets actionable standards for reducing environmental impact, managing carbon and waste, responsible procurement and annual Board-approved targets. Developed by the Study Academy Compliance team, specialists in accredited UK workplace standards and training.
Sustainability Policy (UK, 2025 Edition)
Purpose
To embed sustainability into organisational decision‑making, minimising environmental impact and promoting responsible resource use.
Scope
Applies to all UK operations and the supply chain; covers energy, water, waste, travel, procurement, product lifecycle and biodiversity where relevant.
Policy Statement
Prevent pollution, reduce waste and carbon emissions, and conserve resources.
Integrate sustainability criteria into procurement and product/service design.
Set targets aligned with national climate objectives and report progress.
Legislative and Regulatory Framework
Environment Act 2021
Climate Change Act 2008
Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007 (as amended)
WEEE Regulations 2013 (where applicable)
Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme Regulations 2014 (ESOS) (where applicable)
SECR Regulations 2018 (where applicable)
Roles and Responsibilities
The Board approves this Policy and sets sustainability goals; managers implement programmes and track performance; staff follow sustainable practices.
Procedures and Implementation
Carbon and Energy Management: measure, reduce and offset as appropriate; consider renewable procurement.
Waste and Circularity: apply the waste hierarchy; implement recycling and reuse schemes.
Sustainable Procurement: include environmental and social criteria in supplier selection; require evidence of compliance.
Travel and Transport: encourage low‑emission travel and remote collaboration; optimise logistics.
Monitoring, Audit and Review
Annual sustainability review with targets, performance and corrective actions presented to the Board.
Training and Awareness
Provide staff training on sustainable practices and responsibilities.
Record Keeping
Maintain data supporting sustainability claims and disclosures.
Policy Review and Approval
Annual review; Board approval.
Appendix A – Carbon Management Plan (Template)
Baseline year; target trajectory; initiatives; governance; verification.
Appendix B – Sustainable Procurement Standard (Excerpt)
Supplier code requirements on environmental compliance, modern slavery, conflict minerals (if relevant) and reporting of key metrics.
About this template
What is this template?
Sustainability Policy (UK) by Study Academy is a free, ready-to-use Policies template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Policies template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. This version is drafted with England & Wales in mind, though you should always review the final wording against the laws that apply to you.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Policies usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.