Environmental Responsibility Statement

At Shortwork, we believe that environmental responsibility is foundational to doing ‘good work’. As a values-led, community-first social enterprise, we don’t separate social justice from environmental justice. They are one and the same.

We know that marginalised, Global Majority communities are already living at the sharpest edge of the climate crisis. That’s why we actively reject business-as-usual consultancy culture and instead are working in ways that push us to radically reduce impact, to be inclusive, and help us be an active part of long-term, systemic change.

Our Values

  • We minimise harm by working remotely, travelling only when needed (always by public transport), and sourcing local, plant-based food from independent businesses for any in-person work.

  • We choose tools, materials and suppliers that are reusable, upcycled, low-carbon or ethically sourced, wherever possible.

  • We only print when it improves accessibility, particularly in community-led research where digital exclusion is real.

  • We align with clients and collaborators who take the climate crisis and social justice seriously. They should have Net Zero goals, Environmental Policies, and a shared commitment to equity for people, places, and the natural world.

  • We prioritise work that contributes to the green and just transition, including social housing retrofit, nature restoration, and inclusive green skills development.

  • We align our practice with bold frameworks — including the Just Transition, intersectional climate justice, degrowth, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

What We’re Doing Next

We're small, but agile. Here's what we’re building next:

  • A simple but meaningful measurement framework, including quarterly reflections and an annual audit of our carbon footprint and environmental practice.

  • An audit of our digital carbon footprint - improving our website efficiency and understanding the impact of the AI, cloud and tech tools we use. We know that this is where our carbon footprint is largest, so we’re tackling it first.

  • Deeper values alignment with those we work with and talking about our shared responsibilities in environmental justice.

Holding Ourselves Accountable

We commit to:

  • Reviewing this policy annually, sharing progress and challenges honestly.

  • Reflecting quarterly on how our work aligns with our goals.

  • Keep sharing our learning so others can take what works and apply it in their own context

​October 2025