Net Zero Policy
Our Commitment
The Bernat Klein Foundation (BKF) is committed to fully supporting the Scottish government’s target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (principally carbon) emissions by 2045. We aim to reduce our environmental impact through thoughtful actions, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement. The BKF acknowledges the centrality of environmental sustainability to the future of humanity, and its individual responsibility in contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions towards the goal of net zero.
The mission of the BKF is to preserve and promote the work and legacy of the textile designer Bernat Klein, and the urgency of developing an environmentally sustainable textile industry is in keeping with this legacy. Klein was an advocate for textile designs which would last and undertook activities with an ethos for slow and sustainable fashion before such terminology was born. In keeping with this, the Foundation will actively promote 21st Century sustainable design decisions and solutions.
Key Focus Areas
1. Transport
Trustee meetings will be conducted online, limiting face-to-face meetings to once annually.
Event locations will be selected with the minimisation of travel requirements of attendees as a strong choice criterion.
The BKF will encourage the use of public transport (in particular, slow transport) and carpooling when travel is necessary in connection with BKF activities.
2. Energy Use
Energy-efficient practices will be promoted in homes, offices and other workspaces in connection with BKF activities.
Trustees and collaborators will be encouraged to use renewable energy suppliers.
Trustees will be encouraged to utilize energy-saving settings on electronic devices.
3. Events and Activities
The BKF will prioritize venues with strong sustainability policies for workshops, symposia, and exhibitions.
Materials will be sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.
The carbon footprint of BKF-promoted activities will be assessed and minimized.
4. Partnerships
In selecting partners for collaboration, including in particular manufacturing activities, the BKF will strongly prioritize organizations that demonstrate environmental responsibility.
The BKF will actively avoid involvement with entities deemed inadequate in sustainability practices.
5. Communication and Administration
Paper use will be minimized through digital communication and record-keeping.
Eco-friendly materials will be used when physical products are necessary.
Action Plan
The BKF will:
Conduct an annual carbon footprint audit informed by UK Government's Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors.
Set specific, measurable targets for reducing emissions year-over-year.
Implement a sustainable procurement policy for all BKF activities.
Provide regular training to trustees on environmental best practices.
Include environmental sustainability as a standing item in all trustee meetings.
Publish our Net Zero Policy on the BKF website and communicate our commitment at all events.
Monitoring and Review
The BKF will compile an annual environmental impact statement, detailing:
Estimated carbon footprint of all direct activities.
Progress towards reduction targets.
Areas for improvement and proposed actions.
Responsibility & Policy Review
All trustees share collective responsibility for implementing this policy and driving the foundation towards its net zero goal. We are committed to leading by example and promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of our work. This policy will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with current environmental standards.
This policy is effective as of 01.12.24 and will be reviewed and updated as necessary.
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact our Chairperson, Alison Harley: info@bernatkleinfoundation.org