International Humanistic Aid

Menu
Contact Us
Contact Us
Menu

Environmental Policy

International Humanistic Aid (IHA)

Last updated: January 2026

International Humanistic Aid (IHA) recognises that environmental protection is closely linked to human dignity, health, and long-term wellbeing. Humanitarian action must not cause unnecessary harm to the environment. This Environmental Policy sets out IHA’s commitment to responsible, sustainable, and environmentally conscious operations in Australia and globally.

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Minimise negative environmental impacts of IHA activities.
  • Promote environmentally responsible humanitarian action.
  • Integrate sustainability into planning and operations.
  • Support communities to build resilience in harmony with their environment.
This policy reflects recognised international NGO best practice and environmental responsibility standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • IHA staff, volunteers, and Board members
  • Contractors, consultants, and partners working with IHA.
  • All IHA programs, projects, offices, and field operations
We may suspend or restrict access if these Terms are breached.

3. Our Environmental Commitments

IHA commits to:

  • Protecting the environment while delivering humanitarian assistance
  • Using natural resources efficiently and responsibly
  • Reducing waste, pollution, and carbon emissions where possible
  • Avoiding environmental harm in emergency and development settings
  • Respecting local environmental laws, customs, and ecosystems

4. Environmental Responsibility in Humanitarian Work

IHA will, as far as reasonably possible:

  • Assess environmental risks when planning programs and responses.
  • Avoid activities that cause long-term environmental damage.
  • Use environmentally appropriate materials and methods.
  • Support environmentally sustainable recovery and resilience
  • Balance urgent humanitarian needs with environmental care
In emergency situations, lifesaving assistance remains the priority, while still seeking to reduce environmental harm.

5. Climate Change and Resilience

IHA recognises climate change as a major driver of humanitarian crises. We aim to:

  • Reduce our organisational carbon footprint where practical.
  • Support communities affected by climate-related risks.
  • Promote climate resilience and adaptation in humanitarian programs.
  • Encourage environmentally sustainable livelihoods and practices.

6. Waste, Energy, and Resource use

IHA seeks to:

  • Reduce waste and promote reuse and recycling.
  • Use energy and water efficiently.
  • Minimise single-use plastics where possible.
  • Dispose of waste safely and responsibly

7. Procurement and Partners

IHA will, where feasible:

  • Consider environmental impact in procurement decisions.
  • Prefer suppliers and partners with responsible environmental practices.
  • Encourage partners to align with this policy

8. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Board and leadership are responsible for overseeing this policy.
  • Staff and volunteers are expected to act in environmentally responsible ways.
  • Partners and contractors are expected to respect environmental standards relevant to their work.

9. Reporting Concerns

Anyone may raise concerns about environmental harm linked to IHA activities through:

  • The Complaints Policy
  • The Whistle-blower Policy (for serious concerns)
  • Concerns will be handled fairly and confidentially.

10. Continuous Improvement

IHA is committed to learning and improving by:

  • Reviewing environmental practices regularly
  • Learning from communities and partners
  • Adapting approaches as environmental risks and knowledge evolve

11. Relationship with Other Policies

This policy should be read together with:

  • Environmental and social safeguards (where applicable)
  • Risk Management Policy
  • Safeguarding Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Whistle-blower Policy

12. Review of this Policy

This Environmental Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with best practice.

13. Contact Details

For complaints or questions about this policy, please contact: