1. Purpose and Commitment
At Teens in AI, we recognise that addressing the climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As a global social enterprise dedicated to empowering young people to use artificial intelligence and technology for social good, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across all our operations, programmes, and partnerships.
Our goal is to integrate environmental responsibility into everything we do — from how we design and deliver programmes to how we operate as an organisation — ensuring that our work contributes positively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
2. Scope
This policy applies to all Teens in AI activities, including:
- Programme design and delivery (workshops, hackathons, bootcamps, and online learning)
- Procurement and partnerships
- Travel and events
- Office operations and digital infrastructure
It covers all staff, contractors, volunteers, and partner organisations representing Teens in AI globally.
3. Environmental Principles
We are guided by the following principles:
- Sustainability by Design: We integrate sustainability into the design and delivery of all programmes and events.
- Digital Efficiency: We prioritise online and hybrid delivery models to reduce travel and carbon emissions.
- Resource Consciousness: We minimise paper usage, single-use plastics, and energy consumption across all operations.
- Responsible Procurement: We seek to work with suppliers and partners who demonstrate ethical and sustainable practices.
- Education and Advocacy: We inspire young people to develop AI solutions that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable innovation.
4. Implementation Measures
To uphold these commitments, Teens in AI will:
- Monitor and reduce the carbon footprint of events, prioritising virtual or localised activities where possible.
- Encourage the use of renewable energy and environmentally responsible materials for in-person events.
- Adopt digital tools and cloud services with strong environmental credentials.
- Include sustainability topics in our educational content, mentoring, and challenge themes.
- Promote climate awareness among staff, volunteers, and young participants.
- Regularly review operational processes to identify opportunities for environmental improvement.
5. Office and Resource Management
Paper
- Operate a paperless office wherever possible, using digital tools for documentation, contracts, and learning materials.
- Use recycled or FSC-certified paper when printing is unavoidable.
- Send all invoices and communications electronically.
- Reuse and recycle all paper waste responsibly.
Office Supplies and Equipment
- Evaluate whether needs can be met digitally or through shared resources before purchasing.
- Prioritise renting, reusing, or refurbishing items before acquiring new ones.
- Choose energy-efficient, sustainable, and repairable products.
- Recycle or donate equipment that is no longer of use to the organisation.
Utilities
- Keep energy consumption as low as possible by switching off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Use low-energy lighting and ensure heating and cooling are managed efficiently.
- Consider energy performance and lifecycle impact when purchasing new appliances or services.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Use eco-friendly cleaning materials and suppliers.
- Reuse furniture and refurbishment materials where possible.
- Work only with licensed and environmentally responsible waste disposal providers.
- Separate and recycle waste, and compost organic matter where feasible.
6. Plastic and Waste Reduction
- Eliminate single-use plastics from our offices, events, and programmes.
- Work with partners and suppliers to phase out unnecessary plastic packaging.
- Promote reusability and circular economy principles in event design and material sourcing.
- Recycle all recyclable materials and encourage local community participation in waste reduction.
7. Travel and Event Management
- Prioritise virtual meetings and remote collaboration to minimise travel.
- When travel is essential, use public transport, car-sharing, or low-emission options.
- Select venues and suppliers that prioritise sustainability (e.g. recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable catering).
- Avoid single-use promotional materials, opting for recycled or reusable alternatives.
- Offset carbon emissions from international travel where possible.
8. Culture and Awareness
- Involve staff, volunteers, and young participants in implementing this policy for greater engagement and accountability.
- Provide staff and contractors with environmental awareness and sustainability training.
- Encourage beneficiaries, schools, and partners to adopt sustainable practices in their own operations.
- Use local labour, materials, and suppliers whenever feasible to reduce transport emissions and support communities.
- Integrate climate education and environmental awareness into Teens in AI programmes to foster responsible innovation.
9. Monitoring and Review
Teens in AI will review this policy annually, assessing measurable impacts such as carbon reduction, waste management, and supplier sustainability.
Progress and updates will be discussed at management meetings and communicated internally and externally as appropriate to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
10. Responsibility
The Founder & CEO holds ultimate responsibility for implementing this policy, supported by the Operations and Programmes teams.
All staff, contractors, and volunteers are expected to understand, uphold, and act in accordance with this policy within their area of responsibility.
11. Compliance and Continuous Improvement
- Teens in AI will comply with and, where possible, exceed all relevant environmental laws and regulations.
- Environmental considerations will be integrated into all strategic and operational decisions.
- We will continually monitor, improve, and report on our environmental performance to ensure accountability and alignment with best practice.
12. Public Commitment
This policy reflects Teens in AI’s ongoing dedication to ethical innovation and environmental stewardship. We will continue to champion sustainability both through our internal practices and by empowering young people worldwide to create technology that benefits people and the planet.
Last Updated: 01/10/2025
Approved by:
Elena Sinel
Founder & CEO, Teens in AI
