Net zero plan (2026–2050)

Our principal sources of carbon emissions are:

• Staff travel to clinical appointments.

• Energy consumption associated with home-based working.

• Purchase and use of IT equipment and office supplies.

• Paper consumption and printing.

We do not operate company vehicles nor undertake energy-intensive activities. We do not utilise Artificial Intelligence. Already, 50% of our workforce voluntarily drive hybrid vehicles. Currently, 0% of our workforce commute.

To minimise our environmental impact, Brighter Futures Clinical & Counselling Psychology will:

• Continue to offer online assessments, consultations and therapy sessions, (where clinically appropriate), keeping unnecessary travel for families and clinicians to a minimum.

• Continue to support flexible and hybrid working arrangements to keep commuting to a minimum.

• Encourage virtual meetings with commissioners and partner agencies wherever appropriate.

• Plan journeys efficiently to reduce fuel consumption when in-person appointments are required. Encourage staff to replace vehicles with electric or hybrid models whenever necessary.

• Continue to prioritise electronic records, digital communication and electronic signatures to minimise paper use.

• Continue to avoid the use of AI technology, minimising energy consumption and water pollution.

• Purchase energy-efficient IT equipment when replacing existing devices.

• Continue to recycle office materials wherever possible and minimise waste.

• Consider environmental sustainability when selecting suppliers and purchasing office equipment and services.

Between 2026 and 2050 we will:

• Review our environmental impact annually.

• Continue to identify opportunities to reduce business travel and energy consumption.

• Increase the use of digital technologies that improve accessibility while reducing carbon emissions.

• Encourage environmentally responsible working practices among all clinicians and staff.

• Keep our policies under review to reflect emerging good practice and relevant environmental legislation.

• Engage in this process genuinely, avoiding inadvertent ‘greenwashing.’

This Net Zero Plan will be reviewed annually by the Directors of Brighter Futures Clinical and Counselling Psychology.

Progress will be monitored against the commitments outlined in this plan, and additional carbon reduction measures will be introduced where they are proportionate, achievable and compatible with maintaining safe, high-quality clinical services.