Environmental & Sustainability Policy

Purpose

The CPD Board Limited (“the Company”) recognises that sound environmental stewardship and sustainable operations are integral to our mission of advancing excellence in professional development. This Policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and frameworks we use to minimise our environmental impact, support climate resilience and deliver long‑term value for stakeholders and society.

Scope

This Policy applies to all Company activities—including our Douglas, Isle of Man headquarters, remote working, in‑person events, business travel, procurement and digital platforms. It covers direct environmental aspects (Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse‑gas emissions, energy, waste, water) and significant indirect impacts (Scope 3 emissions from travel, purchased goods and services, and event materials).

Guiding Standards and Frameworks

Our approach aligns with:

  • ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems

  • Greenhouse Gas Protocol – Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard

  • Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) guidance (SME pathway)

  • UN Global Compact environmental principles

  • Task Force on Climate‑related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals – with a primary focus on SDGs 4, 12 and 13.

Environmental Principles

  1. Prevention and Precaution – avoid harm and apply a precautionary approach where environmental impact is uncertain.

  2. Continuous Improvement – set objectives, monitor performance and review targets regularly.

  3. Polluter Pays – internalise environmental costs in decision‑making.

  4. Circularity – favour materials and processes that keep resources in use and eliminate waste.

  5. Transparency – disclose progress and challenges honestly to stakeholders.

Governance Structure

  • Board of Directors – sets environmental strategy, approves targets, reviews annual report.

  • Departmental Sustainability Champions – embed best practice locally and act as change agents.

  • All Employees and Contractors – follow this Policy, participate in training and suggest improvements.

Key Impact Areas and Operational Controls

A. Climate and Energy

  • Source 100 % renewable electricity for offices and data centres where available.

  • Implement energy‑efficiency measures (LED lighting, smart HVAC controls) and track consumption monthly.

  • Prioritise virtual delivery of training to minimise travel; when travel is necessary, select the lowest‑carbon mode reasonably practicable.

  • Offset residual emissions through certified projects only after avoidance and reduction measures.

B.  Waste and Circular Resource Management

  • Adopt paper‑lite workflows; default to digital evaluation materials.

  • Segregate waste streams and ensure at‑source recycling.

  • Specify reusable, recyclable or compostable catering ware for events.

  • Work with suppliers to eliminate single‑use plastics in merchandise and packaging.

C.  Water Stewardship

  • Monitor office water consumption and install low‑flow fixtures.

  • Choose venues with demonstrable water‑conservation practices for in‑person training.

  • Educate staff on responsible water use when operating in water‑stressed regions.

D.  Sustainable Procurement

  • Apply life‑cycle thinking to all purchasing decisions.

  • Require Suppliers to adhere to the Supplier Code of Conduct, including environmental clauses.

  • Favour suppliers with ISO 14001 certification or equivalent and evaluate environmental criteria alongside cost and quality.

E.  Service & Event Design

  • Embed sustainability criteria into event planning—venue selection, catering, materials.

  • Offer digital‑first options as standard to minimise travel and printed materials.

  • Ensure any recommendations to clients reflect best‑practice sustainability and do not enable greenwashing.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

  • Engage employees through “Green Teams” and volunteering initiatives.

  • Partner with professional bodies and NGOs to promote environmental awareness in learning.

  • Participate in industry forums to share best practices and influence policy.

Training and Awareness

  • All staff receive mandatory environmental‑awareness training at induction.

  • Specialist training (e.g. carbon accounting, sustainable event planning) is provided to relevant roles.

  • Training records are maintained by the People & Culture team.

Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

  • Maintain an annual register of environmental aspects and assess risks and opportunities.

  • Collect data on energy use, emissions, water and waste quarterly; calculate our carbon footprint per the GHG Protocol.

  • Set multi‑year objectives and annual milestones (renewable energy sourcing, emissions reduction, waste diversion) and review targets periodically.

Compliance and Non‑Conformance

  • Non‑compliance with this Policy or environmental legislation is managed under our Disciplinary Procedure.

  • Corrective actions are logged and tracked to closure in our environmental management system.

Review

This Policy will be reviewed at least every two years—or sooner if significant changes occur in legislation, organisational structure, activities or incident trends. This Policy may be amended at the Company’s discretion.

Latest update: July 30, 2025.