What is Carbon Literacy?
What is Carbon Literacy?
Carbon Literacy® enables individuals, communities, and organisations to take impactful climate action and enact the cultural shift necessary for the transition to a low-carbon economy. It is a globally unique initiative, developed by The Carbon Literacy Project and recognised by the UN at COP21.
What does 'Carbon Literacy' mean?
Carbon Literacy is defined as “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.”
Put simply, ‘Carbon Literacy’ is the ability to understand, communicate about, and act on climate change in our daily lives. It’s about being motivated and empowered to deliver the best possible climate action, wherever you are.
A flexible training model
Carbon Literacy is a day’s worth of training, designed to be delivered by colleagues or sector peers, in whatever way works for you.
The Carbon Literacy Project helps organisations and trainers find or create the most relevant course for their needs.
Once accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project, training can be delivered across teams, departments, supply chains and even industries.
A globally recognised qualification
To become certified as Carbon Literate, learners complete training and create an action plan, committing to at least two practical actions – one individual and one collective – to cut carbon within their personal and professional lives.
Every learner receives a unique certificate, demonstrating their ability to lead and support climate action within their workplace or community.
Once a group of learners is certified, an organisation can achieve accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to creating a low-carbon culture.
Trainers delivering Carbon Literacy, in-house or independently, can be certified to demonstrate their training expertise.
A culture change movement
Carbon Literacy is more than just a sustainability credential – it’s the foundation of a cultural shift. It helps individuals, organisations, and localities to move from concern and confusion to coordinated action. The actions created in Carbon Literacy training are often turned into targets for your people, and in so doing, organisations increase their capacity to deliver climate targets.
Carbon Literacy embeds climate-conscious decision-making into workplaces, industries and entire communities. It’s not about sacrifice; it’s about innovation, creativity, and shaping a low-carbon society where communities and economies thrive.
Led by The Carbon Literacy Project
The Carbon Literacy Project, delivered by the UK charity The Carbon Literacy Trust, coordinates this work globally. As the accreditation body, as well as certifying individuals, the Project accredits courses, trainers, and organisations – not delivering training directly, but enabling others to do so, at scale and with impact.
Introduction to Carbon Literacy
The ‘Introduction to Carbon Literacy’ Pack contains all you need to know to start your Carbon Literacy journey.
It covers:
- How Carbon Literacy can benefit your organisation
- What Carbon Literacy is and how it works
- How you can get started
- What comes next
Download it here to begin!