Uniting climate action and social justice: Uniting Communities (SA)

As the first certified carbon-neutral organisation in South Australia, Uniting Communities is making bold steps towards their goal of becoming Net Zero by 2035.

Lee Sauerwald – Uniting Communities’ Executive Director of Corporate Services – says there’s a natural connection between taking action on climate change and social justice.

“UC’s work is about enriching lives and uniting communities across South Australia. Our commitment to achieving Net Zero strengthens this work by supporting the people who are most at risk from the effects of climate change,” he says.

“By focusing on environmental sustainability, we’re supporting improved social wellbeing and financial outcomes for both our organisation and, most importantly, the people we exist to serve.”

In practical terms, Uniting Communities is making meaningful steps through a range of sustainable strategies, including:

• Championing eco-friendly infrastructure through innovations like U City – SA’s first certified whole carbon-neutral building with a 6-star Green Star Rating.
• Advocating for improvements in energy efficient housing standards, especially for low income earners and renters.
• Investing in renewable energy and efficiency improvements, like installing onsite solar and switching to 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
• Making the transition to sustainable transportation for fleet vehicles and encouraging the use of eco-friendly transport for employees.
• Investing in carbon offsets to counteract emissions and implementing environmental purchasing and waste management practices to reduce landfill.

But being proactive on climate change means more than leading by example. Lee says that boldly advocating for sustainable business practices encourages other organisations to make the move towards Net Zero as well.

“Talking about our Net Zero journey is a simple but powerful way of supporting others to take this leap. The more of us who are committed to leading a zero-carbon future, the better for everyone.”

To this end, Lee has recently shared Uniting Communities’ environmental success story with community and business leaders across the Asia-Pacific region, presenting at a major sustainability conference in Hong Kong.

Speaking with global leaders was a valuable opportunity to help influence perceptions about sustainability principles and how they can be embedded across organisations of every kind.  

“It’s so encouraging to see people and communities from other countries also making a difference,” Lee says.

“Collective action is the most effective way to address the damaging impacts of climate change. Charities and social service agencies like Uniting Communities have a vital part to play – not only in advocating for climate change action, but in taking responsibility for our own actions and behaviours.”

“Our sector is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, and it’s up to all of us – big, small, private or NGO – to take action now.”

For organisations and community groups ready to embark on their own journey towards Net Zero, Lee recommends a few key steps:

• Take the time to network with other organisations on their carbon reduction journey.
• Engage environmental sustainability experts to help establish and guide a carbon reduction pathway and any offset, measurement, reporting, and auditing requirements.
• And, most importantly, ensure you secure widespread support across your organisation’s leadership and stakeholders at every level.

“The key to our success has been establishing a committee to proactively lead the initiative and drive our core commitments,” Lee says.

“Crucially, having the endorsement of the Board has helped ensure that, when we want to take bold actions – like building the state’s first whole carbon-neutral building – we’re encouraged to make this step.”

Uniting Communities is proud to lead the way in taking meaningful action on climate change, and standing up for those who share their vision of a fairer, greener future for all.

To learn more about their commitment to Net Zero, visit unitingcommunities.org/net-zero

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