Mission statement
The NFU (National Farmers' Union) is committed to championing British agriculture and horticulture while leading the sector toward a sustainable and resilient future.
In aid of this mission, we are committed to reducing our own environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices across our business to act as an ambassador for change and improvement.
Current state of sustainability
The NFU actively participates in the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) scheme, and we have successfully completed Phases 1 and 2 of the Energy Saving Opportunities Scheme (ESOS). We are currently proceeding with phase 3.
Our carbon intensity has consistently fallen year on year, highlighting the positive impact our commitment to these schemes is having, reinforcing our stance on tackling climate change by minimising our impact on the environment.
Continuous improvement is needed to reach our goals; therefore, we intend to set out a roadmap that uses data driven solutions to identify the most effective ways we can lower key environmental performance factors.
We aim to promote sustainable practices, ensure continued regulatory compliance, and set measurable targets to drive continuous improvement.
Our current focus is on these areas:
Energy management
- Transition to renewable and low carbon energy sources across all NFU operations.
- Achieve energy efficiency improvements across all facilities.
- Reduce overall energy consumption by 15% by 2030.
Transport
- Minimise the environmental impact of transport related to NFU operations.
- Encourage the use of low-emission vehicles and promote alternative, sustainable modes of transport such as public transport.
Water management
- Improve water efficiency across all NFU operations and reduce water waste.
- Promote water conservation in all NFU activities and encourage best practices in water management.
Sustainable procurement
- Ensure all goods and services procured by NFU align with sustainability principles.
- Where possible, only purchase from suppliers that are local and that prioritise ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
Waste and recycling
- Minimise waste generation across all NFU operations.
- Increase recycling rates and divert waste from landfills.
Biodiversity
- Contribute positively to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity at our premises.
Building design/management
- Ensure that all NFU buildings, where possible, meet high standards of sustainability and energy efficiency, minimising their environmental impact.
- Incorporate green building design principles in all new construction or renovation projects.
- Assess current working patterns to maximise building utilisation.
- Continue to champion reducing our environmental impact.
Social responsibility
- Strengthen NFU’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in supporting communities and stakeholders within the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within NFU operations and activities.
Immediate next steps
Energy and carbon improvements
Through our ongoing regulatory compliance we have identified that energy consumption from buildings and travel are our largest contributors to GHG emissions, therefore we intend to spend the next 12 months focussing on improvements in these areas.
Waste management
We are currently improving our waste management strategy to divert more of our waste from landfill. Recycling separation stations have been set up to ensure more products are correctly recycled, and we have updated contractual obligations to guarantee this waste does not end up in landfill.
Social responsibility
We are committed to lowering the impact of our day-to-day activities and have identified opportunities to improve our working culture, providing transparent information to educate members and employees on the benefits of sustainable working practices. We plan to communicate regularly with updates so that we may reflect on our progress towards a sustainable future.
Everyday sustainability practices
To ensure our strategic goals are supported by practical action, we expect all colleagues to adopt environmentally responsible behaviours in their daily activities. These shared commitments reflect both our internal values and the principles we encourage across the agricultural sector.
Specifically, we will:
- Recycle paper, cardboard, plastics and other recyclable materials wherever facilities allow.
- Prioritise energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting where practical.
- Work with suppliers who share our environmental values.
- Review our environmental practices annually and update this policy as necessary.
By embedding these practices into our daily routines, we create a culture of sustainability that strengthens our impact and leadership in the sector.
Commitment to continuous improvement
This policy will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect progress, incorporate new technologies, and adapt to changing regulatory and environmental landscapes. By collaborating with stakeholders, the NFU is committed to becoming a leader in sustainability within the agriculture sector.
Responsibility for this policy
The NFU Secretary is responsible for oversight of this policy. The Property and Facilities Team are responsible for implementation of measures relating to the management of NFU Properties.
This policy will be reviewed annually.
Version 2025