Training
Carbon Literacy Training
We recognise the important role our staff, councillors and communities play in tackling climate change and helping us meet our ambition of becoming Net Zero by 2030. To support this, we have committed to an ongoing programme of Carbon Literacy training in partnership with the Carbon Literacy Project.
Carbon Literacy training helps participants understand the causes and impacts of climate change, the carbon footprint of everyday activities, and the practical actions they can take—both individually and in their job roles—to reduce emissions.
To date, we have trained over 80 members of staff, alongside elected members and parish representatives, with more sessions planned to continue building knowledge and confidence across the organisation.
Feedback from participants has been very positive, with staff highlighting how the training helps them better understand the climate emergency and identify opportunities to take action in their roles:
“I have a much clearer understanding of the issues surrounding the climate emergency and the key contributors. This will help me identify areas where I can influence a more sustainable approach in my work.”
As part of the training, participants make pledges to reduce carbon emissions, many of which are directly linked to their work. These actions are already helping to drive change across the Council, from reducing resource use to improving service delivery in more sustainable ways.
Alongside Carbon Literacy training, we have introduced a mandatory e-learning module on the climate and ecological emergency for all staff. This ensures that both new and existing employees understand the importance of addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity as part of their roles.
What is Carbon Literacy?
Carbon Literacy is defined as:
“An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”
The Carbon Literacy Project is based on the idea that, to achieve the level of emissions reduction required by science, we need to change behaviours and culture alongside adopting new technologies.
Carbon Literacy training typically involves a day’s worth of learning, covering climate change, carbon footprints, and the practical actions individuals and organisations can take to reduce emissions. It is designed to be relevant to people’s roles, helping them understand how climate change connects to their work and their communities.
The movement continues to grow rapidly. Today, over 163,000 individuals from more than 14,000 organisations worldwide have been certified as Carbon Literate, demonstrating a growing commitment to meaningful climate action across sectors
