Carbon Reduction Plan & Environmental Sustainability

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Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC

Policy Reference: UNN-ENV-001
Version: 2.0
Reviewed: 9 October 2026
Approval Status: For Director Approval
Proposed Next Review: October 2027

1. Introduction

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC is committed to reducing its environmental impact and operating in a responsible and sustainable way.

As a community interest company supporting neurodivergent individuals and families, we recognise that environmental sustainability contributes to the wellbeing of individuals, communities and future generations.

We also recognise that, as a small organisation operating from rented premises, our resources and control over certain environmental factors are limited.

Our approach is therefore to make realistic, measurable and proportionate improvements that reflect the size and nature of our organisation.

2. Our Commitment to Net Zero

Unmasked supports the UK's ambition to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

We aspire to contribute to this goal by reducing emissions associated with our activities wherever reasonably possible.

Our long-term ambition is to work towards Net Zero emissions by 2050, subject to establishing an appropriate emissions baseline and developing a realistic reduction pathway.

We recognise that meaningful carbon reduction requires ongoing action, monitoring and review.

We will prioritise reducing avoidable emissions before considering any carbon offsetting arrangements.

3. Understanding Our Environmental Impact

Unmasked's environmental impact is primarily associated with:

• Energy used within our premises.
• Travel by counsellors, volunteers, directors and people accessing our services.
• Purchasing office supplies, furniture and equipment.
• Paper, printing and administrative processes.
• Waste generated through everyday activities.
• Digital equipment and online service delivery.

We will work towards developing a proportionate understanding of these impacts.

Where suitable information is available, we will consider establishing a baseline to help identify opportunities for improvement.

We will not claim verified carbon reductions or Net Zero performance without appropriate supporting evidence.

4. Key Areas for Environmental Improvement

4.1 Energy Efficiency

Unmasked operates from rented premises at Prospect Park, Seacroft, Leeds.As tenants, we have limited direct control over building infrastructure, heating systems and energy suppliers.

However, we will aim to:

• Switch off lights and electrical equipment when not required.
• Encourage responsible energy use within our rooms.
• Choose energy-efficient equipment when replacing existing items, where practical.
• Discuss potential improvements with our landlord where appropriate.
• Avoid unnecessary heating, cooling and electricity consumption.

We recognise that lighting, heating and other environmental adjustments may be essential for accessibility and sensory wellbeing.

Environmental measures must not compromise reasonable adjustments, safety or the needs of people using our services.

4.2 Sustainable Travel

We recognise that travel can contribute to our environmental footprint.

Where appropriate, we will:

• Encourage walking, cycling, car sharing or public transport where practical.
• Offer online meetings when face-to-face attendance is unnecessary.
• Continue providing online counselling where clinically appropriate and preferred.
• Consider travel requirements when organising meetings and activities.
• Reduce unnecessary journeys where reasonably possible.

We recognise that individuals have different mobility, disability, sensory and accessibility needs.

Sustainable travel will be encouraged rather than imposed.

4.3 Waste Reduction and Recycling

Unmasked will aim to reduce unnecessary waste through a practical approach to reducing, reusing and recycling materials.

Actions may include:

• Reducing unnecessary printing.
• Using digital forms and records where appropriate.
• Reusing suitable office and creative materials.
• Recycling waste where facilities are available.
• Avoiding unnecessary single-use products.
• Considering the lifespan of equipment before replacement.

We will continue to use physical materials where these are beneficial for accessibility, counselling, creative activities or individual preferences.

4.4 Sustainable Purchasing

We recognise that purchasing decisions can influence environmental impact.

Where practical and financially appropriate, Unmasked will consider:

• Purchasing durable and reusable items.
• Repairing or reusing equipment before replacing it.
• Choosing recycled or responsibly sourced materials.
• Avoiding unnecessary packaging.
• Supporting local suppliers where suitable.
• Considering environmental factors alongside cost, quality and accessibility.

We recognise that our primary responsibility is to maintain safe, effective and financially sustainable services.

4.5 Digital Working and Administration

Unmasked uses digital systems to support administration and service delivery.

We will aim to:

• Use electronic forms and records where appropriate.
• Reduce duplicate printing and unnecessary paperwork.
• Use online meetings when suitable.
• Maintain digital equipment responsibly.
• Consider repair or reuse before purchasing replacements.

We recognise that digital services also have an environmental impact and that digital access is not suitable for everyone.

Alternative communication formats will remain available where reasonably practicable.

5. Environmental Responsibility and Accessibility

Unmasked recognises that environmental sustainability and accessibility must be considered together.

Measures intended to reduce environmental impact should not create unnecessary barriers for disabled or neurodivergent individuals.

For example:

• Online appointments may reduce travel but will not be suitable for everyone.
• Reduced printing should not prevent someone from receiving accessible written materials.
• Lower lighting levels may save energy but may not meet everyone's sensory or visual needs.
• Public transport may not be accessible or practical for some individuals.

We will consider individual needs and reasonable adjustments when implementing environmental improvements.

6. Staff, Counsellor and Volunteer Involvement

Everyone involved with Unmasked can contribute to reducing our environmental impact.

We will encourage staff, counsellors, students and volunteers to:

• Use resources responsibly.
• Reduce unnecessary waste.
• Share practical suggestions for improvement.
• Consider environmental impact when planning activities.
• Support proportionate sustainability measures.

Environmental awareness may be included in organisational communications and induction information where relevant.

We do not currently require a separate formal sustainability training programme for every role.

7. Community and Partnership Working

Unmasked recognises the value of working with local organisations and communities to encourage responsible environmental practices.

Where opportunities arise, we may:

• Participate in local environmental initiatives.
• Share suitable resources.
• Reuse or donate appropriate materials.
• Work with partners who demonstrate responsible practices.
• Explore community-based sustainability activities.

Any involvement will reflect our capacity, resources and primary charitable and community objectives.

8. Monitoring and Reviewing Progress

As a small CIC, Unmasked will take a proportionate approach to monitoring environmental improvements.

We may review:

• Changes in paper and printing use.
• Opportunities to reuse or recycle materials.
• Energy-saving practices within our premises.
• The use of online meetings and counselling.
• Environmental considerations in purchasing decisions.
• Suggestions from staff, volunteers and service users.

Where reliable emissions data becomes available, we will consider whether more formal carbon measurement would be appropriate.

We will avoid making unsupported claims about emissions reductions.

The directors will review progress annually and identify any practical actions for the following year.

9. Environmental Action Plan

Priority Proposed Action Responsibility 

Unmasked will;

1. Review current energy-saving practices within the premises 
2. Encourage responsible printing and digital administration
3. Identify opportunities to reuse and recycle materials
4. Consider sustainability when purchasing equipment and supplies
5. Explore proportionate carbon footprint measurement
6. Review progress and update the plan annually

Actions will be prioritised according to organisational capacity, available resources and potential environmental benefit.

10. Governance and Accountability

The directors of Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC are responsible for overseeing this plan and reviewing environmental priorities.

Staff, counsellors, volunteers and other team members are encouraged to contribute to responsible environmental practices.

Environmental considerations will be balanced with:

• Accessibility and reasonable adjustments.
• Safeguarding and health and safety.
• Quality of counselling and community services.
• Financial sustainability.
• The needs and preferences of service users.

11. Review

This plan will be reviewed annually or sooner where significant changes occur to our premises, operations or relevant requirements.

The review will consider progress, organisational capacity and opportunities for further improvement.

12. Contact Information

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC
Prospect Park, Seacroft, Leeds, LS14 1NG
Email: info@unmaskednn.org
Website: www.unmaskednn.co.uk
Company Number: 15671121

Prepared for approval by: Toni Denton and Sarah McKimm, Directors
Review Date: 9 October 2026
Approval Date: To be confirmed
Next Review: 12 months following approval

Our commitment is to make thoughtful, practical changes that reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide accessible, inclusive and meaningful support to our community.