How to establish Environmental Sustainability Committee

Why Have an Environmental Sustainability Committee?

• Supporting the Environment is Rotary International’s seventh Area of Focus
• There are environmental concerns that your Rotary Club can address locally, regionally and internationally
• Focusing on environmental sustainability may appeal to younger members
• Environmental projects will enhance your club’s brand
• Environmental projects will create volunteering opportunities to enhance connection with the community and as a pathway to membership

Suggested Process

• Engage with club members to gain support of the leadership and members in the Club.
• Identify at least one committed champion with influence in the Club.
• Obtain Board approval to proceed with establishing an ES Committee
• Draft Terms of Reference for the Committee in accordance with Club protocols to present to the Board.
• Identify Club members who may have an interest in environmental issues to join your Environmental Sustainability Committee.
• Seek ideas within the Club for activities that will improve the environment.
• Research what is happening elsewhere (e.g. at District Committee, other clubs, ESRAG and ESRAG Oceania).
• Identify which projects/events would resonate in the Club.
• Consider potential community partners.
• Publicise and promote your project.

Model Terms of Reference

1. Committee Name: Environmental Sustainability
2. Scope: The committee reports to the Board through a specified nominated Director
3. Purpose: 
   • to advise the Board about environmental matters such as how the Club can be more sustainable;
   • to organise relevant speakers;
   • to identify areas where Rotary can make a difference to the environment;
   • to manage environmental projects; and
   • to act as consultant to support other committees’ projects to identify or encourage environment related complementary activities
4. Membership: The Board could identify potential members for the committee, and the Chair to be appointed by the Board.
5. Meeting arrangements: As appropriate.
6. Deliverables and Projects: 
   1. Projects: The committee will identify projects, including volunteer activities, in the area of environmental sustainability and act as advisor to other committees’ projects.
   2. Partnerships: Partners such as local schools, local councils, identified as appropriate.
   3. Sustainable Club: The committee will provide advice to the Board regarding action to be taken by the club to be seen as an Environmentally Sustainable Club.  Some examples may be to eliminate plastic, manage food wastage etc. This will include setting targets for the Club as well as advising and educating members
7. Resources and budget: Resources and a budget to be prepared for consideration by the Board in line with the club’s project management process.

Additional Steps