The Canadian Red Cross Society recognizes that climate change and environmental degradation is a humanitarian crisis. As an organization that is focused on all hazard emergency preparedness, risk reduction, response and recovery in Canada and abroad, we know the importance of addressing climate change and acknowledge that we must strengthen our approach to mitigation, adaptation and emissions reduction measures. Guided by our Fundamental Principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality – the Canadian Red Cross Society commits to adapting our programs and operations to minimize our impact on the environment by:
- Embedding environmental sustainability considerations in all domestic and international programming, and internal operations;
- Factoring the cost of carbon into all major procurement decisions;
- Purchasing environmentally responsible products based on such criteria as: durability, use of recycled or re-furbished materials, reduced energy and water consumption, ability to be recycled, refilled or re-furbished at the end of its useful life, and toxicity;
- Reducing our carbon footprint through such actions as energy efficiency upgrades and reducing waste;
- Training and educating all personnel, including volunteers and paid staff, about environmental issues that may affect their work, and identify ways in which personnel can reduce their impact on the environment;
- Collaborating with Indigenous communities to incorporate Indigenous knowledge on the environment into CRCS programs;
- Continuing to improve on our environmental performance through regular environmental policy review; and
- Dedicating resources and accepting donations for environmentally sustainable activities to ensure that our changes are tracked and reported.