Have you completed Carbon Literacy Training yet?

  • Monday, July 22, 2024
  • Posted By The Growth Company

We launched Carbon Literacy Training following feedback that many colleagues do not feel confident having conversations about climate change in a work setting and making meaningful changes.

Now over 300 colleagues have completed the training, with many making lots of small changes that are having a big impact on their individual carbon footprint and GC’s as well.

If you’ve been thinking about taking part in Carbon Literacy Training but feel like you need some more information, keep reading to find out more.

What is Carbon Literacy?

As defined by the Carbon Literacy Project, Carbon Literacy is:

“An awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”

Why is Carbon Literacy important?

Carbon Literacy gives us the knowledge required to create a positive shift in how we all live and work in response to climate change.

The training also covers topics that will help you have conversations with your clients, learners or partners by better understanding their motivations and how you can change the way you present the issues to them in a way that will inspire them.

Do I need prior knowledge?

No, no prior learning is necessary to attend these sessions. The facilitator will ask you to complete some pre-learning which involves watching a documentary and calculating your carbon footprint via a short survey, but apart from that no prior knowledge is necessary.

It’s perfectly fine if you feel like you know nothing about climate change and sustainability right now as this training is designed for beginners and will take you through the information step by step. By the end, you'll feel confident and equipped to take meaningful actions.

Will the training make me feel hopeless?

The reality of climate change can be daunting, but the goal of this training is to empower you, not overwhelm you. In order to illustrate the urgency of action, you will be shown information about the impact of climate change, but this will be followed by positive solutions that are already being implemented and the many success stories that have already made substantial changes. You’ll learn about global efforts, scientific advancements and GC initiatives that are driving change.

By taking part in this training you are becoming part of the solution and you’ll leave feeling positive about the everyday small changes you can make which collectively have a big impact.

What will I learn?

Through the training you’ll gain a clear understanding of climate change and carbon emissions and why they matter by:

  • Delving into the science and lean how greenhouse gases cause climate change
  • Exploring the drivers for taking action by exploring the environmental, economic and social impact of inaction
  • Explore the relevance to our daily lives and work and learn how to embed sustainability into our workplace culture and empower yourself and your colleagues to take meaningful action.
  • Measuring and analysing your own carbon footprints to make informed decisions about small changes you can make

By the end of the training you’ll:

  • Feel confident to discuss climate change drivers and understand the challenges GC and our clients are facing.
  • Pledge individual and group actions which will lead to significant reduction in carbon emissions. Read some examples of colleague pledges.

By participating in the Carbon Literacy Training, you are not just learning; you are actively contributing to a better future.

How can I enrol?

We hope that this blog has left you feeling more confident about taking part in Carbon Literacy Training. There are currently three sessions available to book onto through PAL, with more being added soon:

  • Thursday 29 August – Green Skills Academy, Manchester
  • Monday 16 September – Warren Bruce Court, Manchester
  • Thursday 14 November – Sheffield

There is also the opportunity to arrange training sessions for your whole team. Marketing Manchester recently took part in a team training day with over 40 colleagues.

To arrange a team Carbon Literacy Training session, please get in touch with catriona@greeneconomy.co.uk or victoria.fernandez@growthco.uk

Marketing Manchester team during Carbon Literacy Training day