Our News

Passion, empowerment, and validation – these were the words our trainers chose to describe what being a Carbon Literacy Trainer means to them, and they perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere of our Carbon Literacy Trainer Celebration earlier this month.

The evening was all about community, connection, and recognition. Accredited Trainers from across the Carbon Literacy trainer network came together so we could celebrate the incredible impact they make in inspiring climate action far and wide. From the start of the evening – with conversations over drinks and a beautiful buffet from ARMR Catering – there was a sense of community in the room. Our Co-Founder and Director of External Relations, Phil Korbel, opened the ceremony by reminding us why this work matters – to create a better future for all – and crediting our trainers as the reason Carbon Literacy thrives.

The Carbon Literacy Trainer Network in numbers

• • Level 1 Carbon Literacy Facilitators (CLFs): 880
  • Level 2 Carbon Literacy Trainers (CLTs): 185
  • Level 3 Carbon Literacy Consultants (CLCs): 8

Acknowledging the breadth of Carbon Literacy Trainers

Our Trainer Network Accreditation Coordinator, Georgina Patel, and our Trainer Network Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Booth, celebrated our Carbon Literacy Trainers and the breadth of their experience – from delivering training in a wine bar in York to a dockyard in Chatham, our Carbon Literacy Trainers take their expertise and meet people where they are to inspire relevant and meaningful action.

Trainers shared stories of their most memorable moments, reliving the energy, pledges, and passion of their learners. One highlight came from Sasha Beswick of Barnsley College, who recalled a staff development day where over 500 colleagues simultaneously undertook Carbon Literacy training. She described the atmosphere as “electric” and spoke of the culture shift that followed, proof of what’s possible through Carbon Literacy training.

Recognising excellence: Carbon Literacy Consultants

We also shone a spotlight on those who have reached Carbon Literacy Consultant (CLC) level – our highest, invitation-only accreditation level. This year, we saw the number of CLCs double, as we welcomed four new CLCs:

• Alison Tomlin – Delivering since 2022 to over 900 individuals across organisations such as DLA Piper, University of Hull, Osborne Clarke, and City & Guilds.
• Pete Watkins – Delivering since 2022 to over 550 individuals, creator of three Carbon Literacy courses, and leader of the Speak Carbon Train the Trainer course.
• Dr Matthew Sawyer – Delivering since 2020 to more than 300 individuals, co-producer of the first Carbon Literacy Healthcare Toolkit, and contributor to several other courses.
• Caroline Harmon – Delivering since 2019, training more than 1,500 individuals and designing a Train-the-Trainer course that supports others to become certified.

Honouring our Carbon Literacy Training Organisations

Finally, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our accredited Carbon Literacy Training Organisations (CLTOs), each has shown sector-leading commitment to embedding Carbon Literacy at scale.

• Cynnal Cymru – Our key Carbon Literacy delivery partner in Wales, Cynnal Cymru has certified 1,834 individuals from over 350 organisations.
• Speak Carbon Collective – Involved in the creation and accreditation of 20 Carbon Literacy courses, their Train-the-Trainer course has led to the certification of 10% of our current CLTs!
• Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department of Natural Sciences – Involved in the creation of 12 Carbon Literacy courses and has contributed their resources free of charge to many more. More than 160 institutions have access to their free Toolkits for Higher and Further Education.
• Auto Trader UK – Funded and co-created both the Automotive Sector Toolkit and the Digital & Tech Sector Toolkit. The Automotive Toolkit has now trained more than 300 organisations and over 5000 learners!

Hearing from CLCs, Caroline, Matt and Rachel, on the night, their words underscored the importance of Carbon Literacy in shaping a low-carbon future, but also the impact that Carbon Literacy has had in their lives. Overall, the evening reminded us of what’s possible when passionate individuals and organisations come together!

A big thank you to Sustainable Ventures for hosting and ARMR for catering and making the evening such a success.

Find out more about our Carbon Literacy Trainer Certification Scheme via our Trainer webpage.