At The SMC Group, our commitment to sustainability is rooted deeply in our mission to foster a more equitable, just, and environmentally responsible world. This Sustainability Policy declares our dedication to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our work, from operational decisions to project implementations. Recognising the critical intersection of environmental sustainability with our core values of participatory research, decolonisation, and intersectional feminism, we pledge to minimise our ecological footprint and empower and collaborate with communities and partners in sustainable development. Our approach is guided by global standards and localised needs, aiming for a balance that respects the planet and the people we serve. This policy affirms our responsibility to future generations by committing to continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability in our sustainability journey.

I am proud to support global campaigns, responsible agricultural practices, particularly in Catalonia, Spain, where I am based,  and other programs that mitigate against the harmful effects of climate change.

Inspired by the Sustainability Policy of Syra Brownlock, an ethical fashion company I ran for many years, I commit to and practice the following:

Principles and Standards

The principles and standards of The SMC Group’s sustainability policy are deeply intertwined with international laws and policies, reflecting a commitment to meet and exceed global expectations for sustainable practices. Central to our approach is the adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We align our operations and projects with specific SDGs, such as Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), to ensure that our work supports broader global initiatives for sustainability and equity. Furthermore, we integrate the principles of the Paris Agreement into our strategies, committing to significant efforts in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing resilience to climate change impacts. Our practices are also guided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in reporting our sustainability performance. The SMC Group pledges to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and just world through this comprehensive alignment with international standards and laws.

Operations

Our operational practices focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in every aspect of our work. This involves prioritising energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable resource use in our offices and through remote work policies. We engage with stakeholders through participatory methods to ensure our projects reflect community needs and environmental stewardship. We advocate for low-impact transportation options for travel and project activities and incorporate sustainability principles into project planning and execution. Monitoring and reporting involve rigorous environmental performance assessment, using established frameworks for transparency and continuous improvement.

Participation and Engagement

Our commitment to sustainability is deeply participatory, engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure our practices reflect a broad spectrum of perspectives and needs. We recognise that true sustainability is only achievable through collective action; thus, we facilitate forums, workshops, and discussions that allow for exchanging ideas and solutions. We ensure our efforts are culturally sensitive, equitable, and effective by integrating local knowledge and expertise into our sustainability strategies. Our engagement process is transparent and inclusive, inviting feedback and collaboration from communities, clients, and partners to foster ownership and mutual respect. This participatory approach enhances the impact of our sustainability initiatives. It aligns with our core values of decolonisation and intersectional feminism, ensuring that our work contributes to a more just and sustainable world.

Travel and Project Activities

We prioritise sustainable practices and technologies to address the environmental impact of travel and project activities. Our approach includes selecting eco-friendly transportation, optimising travel routes to reduce emissions, and implementing virtual collaboration tools to minimise the need for physical travel. We adopt green methodologies and materials for on-the-ground project activities, emphasising local sourcing and minimising waste. These practices are guided by a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local economies while ensuring our work’s efficacy and impact. Through careful planning and consideration, we aim to lead by example in sustainable project execution, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with achieving project objectives.

Monitoring and Reporting

Our sustainability efforts are measured and reported with the utmost rigour and transparency. We employ internationally recognised frameworks and indicators to track our progress, assess our initiatives’ effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement. Regular monitoring and comprehensive reporting ensure we maintain accountability to ourselves, our stakeholders, and the planet. These processes allow us to celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, and adjust our strategies to meet our sustainability goals better. By sharing our journey openly, we aim to contribute to the broader dialogue on sustainability, encouraging others to adopt similar practices and principles.

Approvals and Reviews

This policy was formally approved by management at The SMC Group in March 2024. I will notify you of any changes by posting the new Sustainability Policy on our website. Two sustainability experts independently reviewed it, and though their identities are anonymised for the website, it is available to those who would like further information. Please get in touch with me for more.

[This policy was last updated in March 2024. It is reviewed semi-annually and formally updated at the end of each fiscal year in Spain].