Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO): Leading by example on environmental responsibility

Founded in 1997, CAVO promotes, supports and empowers voluntary community action throughout Ceredigion. As the county's voluntary council and a partner of Third Sector Support Wales, the organisation works across volunteering, governance, sustainable funding, and engagement and influence to strengthen the local voluntary sector.  

Over nearly three decades, CAVO has supported countless community organisations, helping them develop projects, recruit volunteers and access the resources they need to make a positive difference in their communities.  

As an organisation that supports others to create positive change, CAVO believes it is important to demonstrate the same commitment within its own operations. 

Taking a practical approach 

For CAVO, reducing environmental impact is not a standalone initiative. It forms part of a broader commitment to responsible organisational management and continuous improvement. 

One of the key drivers behind its environmental efforts was a desire to lower carbon emissions. The organisation also wanted to strengthen its environmental credentials as part of its BS8555 environmental management certification programme.  

Alongside sourcing renewable electricity, CAVO has implemented a range of practical measures across its operations, including: 

• Waste reduction initiatives 
• Energy audits 
• The use of more environmentally friendly office and cleaning products 

These actions reflect a measured approach focused on making practical improvements where possible rather than pursuing environmental initiatives for their own sake.  

Like many organisations, CAVO faced challenges along the way. Justifying higher upfront costs, finding the time to implement changes, and maintaining staff engagement were all obstacles that needed to be addressed. However, the organisation remained committed to its objectives and continued to make steady progress.  

Choosing renewable electricity 

As part of its environmental management approach and BS8555 certification requirements, CAVO chose renewable electricity from SmartestEnergy Business. 

CAVO chose SmartestEnergy Business’s 100% renewable electricity, which is independently verified by The Carbon Trust, providing assurance that its electricity supply comes from renewable sources. This trusted verification enables the organisation to confidently report zero carbon emissions from its electricity consumption while supporting the transition to a cleaner, lower-carbon energy system. 

Additionally, CAVO valued SmartestEnergy Business’s partnership with Ecologi, which helps fund climate-positive projects around the world, including reforestation initiatives and verified carbon avoidance and removal schemes. 

Rather than viewing renewable electricity as a standalone action, CAVO incorporated it into a broader programme of environmental improvements across the organisation. This approach helped ensure that energy procurement supported its wider organisational values and operational goals. 

Reducing impact across the business 

CAVO's environmental efforts have delivered tangible outcomes over time. 

The organisation has maintained BS8555 environmental certification for the past five years and reports reductions in energy consumption because of its ongoing improvement programme. Just as importantly, its actions have enabled it to lead by example for the organisations and community groups it supports.  

The response from stakeholders has been encouraging. According to CAVO, trustees and the organisations it supports have welcomed its efforts and increasingly look to the organisation for guidance as they develop their own approaches to reducing environmental impact.  

For a support organisation working at the heart of the voluntary sector, that influence can help create wider positive change across communities throughout Ceredigion. 

Looking ahead 

CAVO continues to explore further ways to reduce its environmental impact. One area being considered is moving away from traditional office space and towards more agile ways of working within the community.  

While the organisation recognises that progress takes time, its experience demonstrates how a series of practical, manageable steps can build into a long-term programme of improvement. By combining environmental management, responsible operational practices and renewable electricity, CAVO continues to support both its own goals and the wider organisations it works with across Ceredigion.  

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