Carbon literacy training

Carbon Literacy

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" (Carbon Literacy®).

Climate change is a global issue, but one that we experience on a local level. It is vital that we acknowledge this and integrate our understanding into everything that we do to help create a positive shift in our response.

Carbon Literacy at Spelthorne Borough Council

In line with SBC declaring a climate emergency in 2020 and ahead of us publishing our climate change strategy in September 2022, our first carbon literacy training session took place in September 2022, with senior leadership, group heads and managers in attendance.

We identified that the climate emergency needed to be tackled by all service areas. We felt it was important for every member of staff to understand the fundamentals of climate change, and how they can play a role in reducing emissions in their role. After the initial training session with senior leadership, we began training colleagues across all service areas.

Post course we have had a lot of positive feedback, with many colleagues motivated to make changes to reduce their carbon emissions, engaging with the team about ideas after the course.

"Completing the Carbon Literacy Training has given me the knowledge and confidence to make real, sustainable changes... both personally and professionally. It's empowering to be part of a movement that will help shape a greener future!" - Hind (Economic Development and Digital Media Support Officer)

Hear from our Chief Executive Daniel Mouawad on our carbon literacy journey so far.

Our Accreditation

SBC is proud to have been accredited as a Carbon Literate Organisation. This accreditation is a visible 'badge' that shows our commitment to Carbon Literacy and creating a climate conscious culture across our organisation.

We currently hold a bronze award and are working towards achieving our silver.