SCIF
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Governance.

The SCIF has a Board of Directors who bring specific expertise and challenge to ensure that the fund’s programme delivers against its high-level objectives.

This includes independent representatives with a range of backgrounds and skills, as well as members from LSHTM and the LSHTM MRC Units. The SCIF also has staff based on the ground in Uganda and The Gambia, and an executive team responsible for day to day operations and management.

Board members.

Photo of SCIF chair Nick Luckock

Nick Luckock

Chairperson

Nick has extensive investment, management, board governance and charitable experience and is currently Chair of Verdane. He holds other board membership positions and is Chair Of Trustees at The Basildon Academies. Nick completed an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts from the University of Melbourne.

Matt Lee

Member of LSHTM Executive Team

Matt is Chief Operating Officer of LSHTM.

Kris Murray

MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM representative

Kris is Associate Professor of Environment and Health at LSHTM.

Marion Billoudet

Africa/LMIC infrastructure and project management specialist

Marion has extensive experience working with infrastructure and development projects in emerging and fragile contexts. She currently works as Senior Regional Advisor for the United Nations.

Faustina Awane

Community Engagement Specialist

Faustina is an environmental health expert with extensive experience implementing community-led programmes in water, sanitation and sustainable development.

Our process.

Carbon credits from SCIF projects are underpinned by a rigorous system of independent external verification to achieve compliance with internationally-recognised Gold Standard methodologies.

The value of all emissions invested will be directly matched with emissions avoided or ‘removed’ by SCIF projects to achieve carbon neutrality. Partners will need to calculate and get independently verified residual emissions resulting from the different aspects of their operations.

The next step is working with the SCIF team to confirm the type of project and partnership that best suits the partnering company’s emissions reduction strategy. The emissions avoided or removed by the chosen project(s) will be audited and verified by the SCIF’s contracted independent auditor, from which saved emissions will be checked and verified by SustainCert. Validated emissions avoided/removed can then become certificated carbon credits that can be used to offset validated annual emissions.

Carbon offsetting

Carbon offsetting is only recommended for emissions that are unavoidable, and should be integrated into net zero plans as part of a controlled process of emissions reduction. Unavoidable, residual emissions are defined as:
Emissions that cannot be prevented at source e.g. because the technology doesn’t yet exist, or the process will always have an emissions footprint (residual emissions).

How are projects developed?

Locally-based project staff work on the ground to evaluate community needs and priorities. By identifying barriers and opportunities, we can develop projects to offer sustainable solutions which improve health, wellbeing and quality of life. Research from LSHTM also feeds into the SCIF programme.

Projects are then assessed for feasibility, emissions impacts, investment requirements and timeframe. The aim is to deliver swift, relatively simple interventions where possible, as well as longer-term infrastructure. This is all guided by local needs. In a nutshell, the key criteria for our projects are that they must:

  • Add value – fill a gap which wouldn’t otherwise happen
  • Meet local needs – provide benefits including to health

Working with SustainCert and Gold Standard – and utilising local expertise – ensures that SCIF projects are directly meeting wellbeing needs of communities.

The Gold Standard.

The methodologies for developing and approving SCIF projects are established Gold Standard methodologies so this ensures that they offset in an entirely credible way. By taking this approach and care, we are ensuring that offsetting projects - and associated carbon credits - are socially and environmentally ethical. All projects must meet the Gold Standard’s requirements for:

  • People-oriented projects
  • Additionality
  • Comprehensive stakeholder engagement
  • Ongoing project viability

Join us in making a difference.

We invite organisations who are committed to carbon reduction. Take responsibility for your emissions and join us in this unique social enterprise.
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