Council officially accredited as a Carbon Literate organisation

Reading Borough Council’s dedication towards tackling climate change has been recognised by the Carbon Literacy Project.

A Bronze level certificate has been awarded to the Council just five months after embarking on the project in which councillors and staff take part in one day’s carbon literacy training.

Fifty learners have been certified ‘Carbon Literate’ so far having completed the training and the Council is now aiming to move up to silver status by delivering the training to 15% of its workforce – around 240 staff.

Accreditation as a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation highlights the Council’s dedication towards tackling climate change, reducing its carbon emissions and its commitment to working towards a lower carbon future.

Carbon literacy involves having an awareness of the impact of carbon dioxide and having the ability and motivation to reduce emissions on an individual, community and organisational basis.

The first tranche of carbon literacy training at the Council has mainly involved councillors and senior managers but will be rolled out to all staff.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, who completed the training in 2023 alongside the Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader and other senior councillors, said:

“The carbon literacy training is hard hitting and effective at highlighting the challenges we face due to climate change and thinking about the actions we can take as an organisation and as individuals to tackle it.

“The Council already has a good track record of climate action, having reduced our own carbon emissions by 74% in 14 years and reducing our use of fossil fuels by 50% two years ahead of schedule.

“Rolling out this training to staff demonstrates the council’s commitment to ensuring climate change is something that is seriously considered in every department and at every level.”

Dave Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project, said:

“Carbon literacy is an essential skill, vital to every workplace, community, and place of study.

“By becoming a Bronze accredited Carbon Literate Organisation, Reading Borough Council has demonstrated its commitment to genuine low carbon action, environmental and economic impact, and the building of a low carbon future for us all.”