Introduction

The world is facing an unprecedented climate crisis due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that the global temperature should not rise beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid catastrophic impacts on the environment, society, and economy. To achieve this goal, the world needs to decarbonise its energy systems, industries, transportation, buildings, and agriculture, among others. Decarbonisation means reducing or eliminating the use of fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Decarbonisation is not only a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity for creating new jobs, reducing energy costs, improving public health, and enhancing resilience to climate change impacts. This article focuses on the decarbonisation of the "Activities of membership organisations" sector, which includes a wide range of non-profit, non-governmental, and civil society organisations that represent and serve various interests, causes, and communities.

What is Decarbonisation in "Activities of Membership Organisations" Sector and Why is it Important?

Decarbonisation in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector means reducing or offsetting the carbon emissions associated with their operations, events, travel, and supply chains. The carbon emissions of this sector are not as high as those of the energy or transportation sectors, but they still contribute to the overall carbon footprint of society. Moreover, the "Activities of membership organisations" sector has a unique role in raising awareness, mobilising action, and advocating for climate solutions at the local, national, and global levels. Therefore, decarbonisation in this sector is not only a matter of environmental responsibility but also a matter of leadership and influence.

The importance of decarbonisation in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector can be summarised as follows:

• Climate leadership: Membership organisations have a moral obligation to lead by example and show that they are committed to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
• Reputation and trust: Membership organisations depend on the trust and support of their members, donors, partners, and stakeholders, who increasingly demand transparency, accountability, and sustainability in their operations. Decarbonisation can enhance the reputation and trust of membership organisations and attract more support.
• Cost savings: Decarbonisation can also lead to cost savings by reducing energy, travel, and supply chain expenses. For example, switching to renewable energy sources can lower electricity bills, while teleconferencing can reduce travel costs and time.
• Health and well-being: Decarbonisation can also improve the health and well-being of employees, members, and communities by reducing air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion, which are associated with fossil fuel use.

What are the Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in "Activities of Membership Organisations" Sector?

The main sources of carbon emissions in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector can be categorised into three types: direct, indirect, and supply chain.

Direct emissions are those that come from the combustion of fossil fuels on-site, such as natural gas for heating, diesel for generators, and gasoline for vehicles. Direct emissions are relatively small in this sector, but they can still be significant for organisations that operate large buildings, events, or fleets.

Indirect emissions are those that come from the consumption of purchased electricity, heating, and cooling, which are generated from fossil fuels by the utility companies. Indirect emissions are usually larger than direct emissions and depend on the energy mix and efficiency of the grid.

Supply chain emissions are those that come from the production, transportation, and disposal of goods and services that are used by membership organisations, such as paper, food, IT equipment, and travel services. Supply chain emissions can be significant for organisations that have a high volume of procurement and travel.

How Can We Reduce Carbon Emissions in "Activities of Membership Organisations" Sector?

Reducing carbon emissions in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector can be achieved through a combination of measures, such as:

• Energy efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of buildings, equipment, and appliances can reduce the demand for electricity, heating, and cooling, and thus lower the indirect emissions. Energy efficiency measures can include insulation, lighting upgrades, smart controls, and behavioural change.
• Renewable energy: Switching to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or green electricity tariffs, can reduce or eliminate the direct and indirect emissions of membership organisations. Renewable energy can also provide a reliable and affordable source of energy and increase the resilience of organisations to power outages or price volatility.
• Low-carbon travel: Reducing the need for travel or switching to low-carbon modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, public transport, or electric vehicles, can reduce the direct emissions of membership organisations. Teleconferencing and remote working can also reduce the need for travel and increase the productivity and flexibility of organisations.
• Sustainable procurement: Choosing sustainable and low-carbon products and services can reduce the supply chain emissions of membership organisations. Sustainable procurement criteria can include energy efficiency, recycled content, fair trade, and carbon offsetting. Procurement can also be used as a lever to promote sustainability and social justice in the supply chain.
• Behavioural change: Engaging and empowering employees, members, and stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices and behaviours can reduce the carbon footprint of membership organisations. Behavioural change can include awareness-raising, training, incentives, and feedback. Behavioural change can also create a culture of sustainability and innovation within organisations.

What are the Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in "Activities of Membership Organisations" Sector?

Decarbonisation in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector faces several challenges, such as:

• Lack of awareness and commitment: Some organisations may not be aware of the urgency and importance of decarbonisation or may not have the leadership and resources to implement sustainable practices. Some organisations may also perceive decarbonisation as a burden or a distraction from their core mission.
• Financial constraints: Some organisations may not have the financial resources to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, or sustainable procurement, especially if they rely on donations or grants that are restricted to their programme activities. Some organisations may also face financial risks or uncertainty in the transition to a low-carbon economy, such as stranded assets or carbon taxes.
• Technical complexity: Some organisations may lack the technical expertise or capacity to design, implement, and monitor sustainable practices, especially if they operate in multiple locations or have complex supply chains. Some organisations may also face technical barriers or limitations in accessing renewable energy or sustainable products and services.
• Behavioural inertia: Some organisations may face resistance or apathy from employees, members, or stakeholders who are not motivated or incentivised to adopt sustainable practices. Some organisations may also face cultural or institutional barriers that perpetuate unsustainable practices, such as the use of single-use plastics or the preference for air travel over teleconferencing.
• Coordination and collaboration: Some organisations may face coordination and collaboration challenges in decarbonising their operations, especially if they operate in the same sector or region. Some organisations may also face competition or conflicting interests that hinder collective action or policy advocacy for climate solutions.

What are the Implications of Decarbonisation for "Activities of Membership Organisations" Sector?

Decarbonisation in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector has several implications, such as:

• Innovation and learning: Decarbonisation can stimulate innovation and learning within membership organisations, as they explore new technologies, business models, and partnerships that can reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their impact. Decarbonisation can also create new opportunities for collaboration and co-creation among organisations and with other sectors.
• Leadership and influence: Decarbonisation can enhance the leadership and influence of membership organisations, as they demonstrate their commitment and action on climate change and inspire others to follow suit. Decarbonisation can also provide a platform for advocacy and policy engagement on climate solutions at the local, national, and global levels.
• Resilience and adaptation: Decarbonisation can increase the resilience and adaptation of membership organisations, as they prepare for the impacts of climate change and reduce their exposure to energy and supply chain risks. Decarbonisation can also contribute to the social and environmental sustainability of the communities and causes that membership organisations serve.
• Equity and justice: Decarbonisation can promote equity and justice within and beyond membership organisations, as they address the unequal distribution of the costs and benefits of climate change and transition to a fair and inclusive low-carbon economy. Decarbonisation can also support the human rights and dignity of the vulnerable and marginalised groups that are most affected by climate change.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in the "Activities of membership organisations" sector is a crucial and urgent task that requires the collective and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including organisations, governments, businesses, and civil society. Decarbonisation is not only a matter of environmental responsibility but also a matter of leadership, reputation, cost savings, health, and well-being. Decarbonisation can be achieved through a combination of measures, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, low-carbon travel, sustainable procurement, and behavioural change. Decarbonisation also faces several challenges, such as lack of awareness and commitment, financial constraints, technical complexity, behavioural inertia, and coordination and collaboration. Decarbonisation has several implications, such as innovation and learning, leadership and influence, resilience and adaptation, and equity and justice. Decarbonisation is a transformative and positive agenda that can create a better and safer future for all.