Sustainability What does 'sustainability' mean to Just a Drop? Sustainability is at the heart of Just a Drop’s operations. All projects are community owned and led, and are monitored for at least 7 years after completion. Indeed, Just a Drop’s work contributes to Goal 6 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and impacts a further 11 goals. Just a Drop is also committed to measuring and reducing its carbon emissions year on year. To us, access to water is never just about water. Our work is holistic and supports environmental, social, and economic sustainability. We want these projects to last for years to come, for communities to take ownership and to have the knowledge, skills, and finance to maintain them. This is built into every project that Just a Drop does. Core Principles of Sustainability Environmental We aim to ensure projects are not harmful to the environment in the immediate and surrounding project area. We look at the potential positive and negative environmental impacts for all our projects and we consider the impact on stakeholders and users in surrounding communities. Social We aim to create sustained behaviour change and optimise quality of life. Economic We aim to ensure mechanisms are in place to enable the sustainability of facilities through adequate financing once we have left. We look at how each project or programme will lead to greater economic empowerment and reduced poverty. These principles are prioritised in Our Approach. Sustainable Development Goals The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal set of goals agreed by United Nations member states with the aim of ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. Each goal has specific targets to reach by 2030. For the goals to be reached, everyone needs to do their part: governments, the private sector, civil society, and the public. Our projects contribute to SDG 6, clean water and sanitation for all, and impact a further 11 SDGs. Our Carbon Action Plan We know our projects have a positive impact on the communities we work with and the surrounding environments by reducing open defecation, reducing waterborne diseases, improving health and wellbeing, and creating healthier school environments, among other positive impacts. However, we recognise that our operations do have an impact on the planet. We are committed to: - Measuring our carbon footprint every year (and publishing this data) - Offsetting our remaining carbon footprint through effective sustainable water management and tree planting schemes where we operate - Reducing our footprint year on year to achieve Net Zero by 2040 We are committed to being open and transparent about our Carbon Action Plan.