Leading change from within
We regularly review our Environmental, Social and Governance policies and goals to make sure we’re up to the highest standards and leading by example for our members and boating community. As signatories to the United Nations Global Compact and the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework since 2019, we’re committed to responsible business actions, as well as transparency and accountability in all we do.
Owning our responsibilities through governance
• For the fourth consecutive year, we retained our Fair Tax accreditation from the Fair Tax Foundation thanks to our continued commitment to responsible tax conduct and making a fair contribution to the public services on which society relies.
• We undertook a sustainability assessment of our top 20 suppliers (by spend) to strengthen sustainability within procurement and supplier relationship management. Suppliers provided information on a range of topics, including carbon management, environmental policies, resource efficiency, diversity and inclusion, ethical business practices, workforce wellbeing and broader sustainability commitments. The assessment enabled us to establish a baseline understanding of supplier performance and identify areas were additional engagement, support or improvement may be beneficial. These insights are already informing procurement decisions and encouraging greater transparency across our supply chain.
Seeing change in numbers
In 2019/20, our carbon emissions as an organisation were estimated at 5,800 tonnes of CO2. Since then, we’ve targeted a 10% reduction annually with an ultimate target of 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and NetZero by 2040 in line with the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework targets of which the RYA is a signatory.
• Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the RYA, including fuel use in vehicles, vessels and buildings.
Total Emissions Vs Net Zero Targets
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
50% Net Zero by 2030 Net Zero by 2040
7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0
2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heating, cooling and steam.
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions across our value chain, including purchased goods and services, business travel, freight and waste.
Since our 2019/20 baseline year, our overall greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 36.6%. While a significant reduction was recorded in 2020/21 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our longer-term emissions trend continues to demonstrate sustained progress towards our 2040 net zero ambitions despite annual fluctuations.
The most significant reductions have been achieved in Scopes 1 and 2, supported by improved energy efficiency, on-site renewable energy generation and procurement. Scope 1 emissions temporarily increased in 2023/24 following a refrigerant release caused by vandalism-related damage to pipework. Fuel use within the RYA’s vehicle and vessel fleet remains the largest contributor to Scope 1 emissions, and further reductions will depend on the availability, affordability and adoption of lower-carbon technologies and fuels.
Scope 3 emissions continue to represent the largest proportion of our carbon footprint and remains the key area for further reduction. Progress will depend on stronger supply chain engagement, collaboration and the integration of sustainability considerations into procurement, supplier selection and contract management.
While one-off refurbishment activity in 2022/23 and 2023/24, and the 2023/24 refrigerant incident contributed to fluctuations in reported emissions, total emissions remain substantially below the baseline. Accelerating Scope 3 reductions will be critical to meeting future interim targets and maintaining a credible pathway to net zero by 2040.
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
50% Net Zero by 2030
RYA Annual Strategic Report 2026
Net Zero by 2040
21
Tonnes CO2e
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