A Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) is an organisation which has been accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project as having substantial understanding of, commitment to and experience with Carbon Literacy®. CLO accreditation showcases your organisation as dedicated to climate action, reducing carbon emissions and creating a low-carbon culture.
Carbon Literate Organisation is the visible ‘badge’ which showcases an organisation as:
 
                            
                                                        
                            
                          There are four tiers of CLO accreditation: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each representing increasing levels of commitment and achievement. This tiered structure allows organisations to begin their journey at a realistic starting point, and progress as their Carbon Literacy initiatives expand in scale, reach, and influence.
Obtaining CLO status adds to an organisation’s reputational value, enabling it to better interact and strengthen relationships with staff, customers, suppliers and the local community.
Achieving CLO status showcases significant dedication to Carbon Literacy at an organisational level and is reflective of a commitment to building and sustaining a low-carbon culture. A Carbon Literate Organisation will typically see reduced energy and resource use, a stronger organisational profile, healthier and more engaged staff, a safer supply chain, lower variable costs, and reduced commercial risk.
The annual CLO Awards ceremony, usually held in Manchester each June, is a fantastic opportunity for Carbon Literate Organisations to celebrate their achievements and connect with others in the Carbon Literacy and wider sustainability community. Each CLO receives a framed certificate and a trophy crafted from recycled wood, marking their commitment to Carbon Literacy.
In order to be awarded at the next CLO Awards ceremony in June 2026, please complete and submit your CLO application by February 2026. To apply, you can download the CLO pack linked at the bottom of this page. This contains everything you’ll need to complete your application, including information on the fees and application criteria.
 
                            
                                                        
                            
                          “Seeing the trophy arrive feels like a genuine moment of pride. It’s not just about the training, it’s about how staff are using what they’ve learned. Whether it’s how we plan buildings, run services or choose suppliers, you can see climate thinking starting to shape how we work.”
Councillor Margaret Lishman, Executive Member for Resources and Performance Management
"Achieving Gold status is a proud moment for Axter and a testament to the passion and commitment of our people. We believe that real change comes from within, and that empowering our team with climate knowledge is the most powerful step we can take to create a more sustainable future for our industry. We are equally proud to be B Corp certified, placing us among a small number of firms in our industry who meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact."
Phillip Wilcox-Moore, Managing Director at Axter
“Creating space for colleagues to share ideas, reflect, and learn from one another has been especially important as we tackle the climate crisis. Change happens when people feel heard and empowered, and through this training, we’ve seen incredible discussions emerge, sparking new ideas and reinforcing our shared commitment to sustainability."
Lee Brown, Senior Learning and Development Advisor, Everyturn
“We are proud to be recognised as a Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation. This award reflects the dedication of our staff and our shared ambition to build a greener, more sustainable Hertfordshire. Carbon Literacy training is helping us to empower colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference, and together we are creating a culture of climate responsibility that will support our communities for generations to come. The bonus with Carbon Literacy is that it helps us bring new purpose to every workstream/project and get more lifetime value from the materials we need to use, which is so important for efficiency."
Cllr Adrian England, Executive Member for Sustainability at Hertfordshire County Council
"One of the most rewarding aspects of our Carbon Literacy journey has been seeing the enthusiasm of our employees. Staff across the council have embraced this training, helping to create a workplace culture where climate awareness is part of everyday conversations. This Gold accreditation reflects the dedication of our people to making a real difference, and I’m incredibly proud of the positive changes they are driving across the organisation."
Councillor Margaret Lishman, Executive Member for Resources and Performance Management
"This award reflects the collective effort of our team and our shared belief that meaningful change begins with education,” said Binu. “Carbon literacy is not only about understanding emissions. It is about empowering individuals to take action, both at work and in everyday life. At MSP, we have seen how small behavioural changes can create lasting impact, and Silver status is a fantastic recognition of that progress.”
Binu Benny, Sales Engineer, MSP
“Bronze Carbon Literate status reflects our commitment to carbon reduction and the tangible steps we’ve taken across the firm – from energy-efficient offices to renewable electricity and digital-first ways of working. Our journey to Net Zero by 2040 is underpinned by clear science-based targets, innovative office redesigns, and active engagement from our employees. The Carbon Literacy programme is a key part of embedding this culture throughout the firm. Sustainability is central to how we operate. From reducing office emissions and adopting renewable energy to encouraging sustainable travel and digital practices, we are proud to integrate environmental considerations into every part of our business.”
Karen Higgins, Head of ESG at Clarke Willmott
"Since the training, staff engagement on climate change has soared. Employees now feel more confident discussing climate issues with family, friends, and colleagues, creating a ripple effect that continues to spark conversations and action. Together, we’re building a more sustainable future for Burnley. We’re excited to continue this journey, monitor our progress, and strive for an even greater impact."
Councillor Margaret Lishman, Executive Member for Resources and Performance Management
“It is easy to ‘talk the talk’ but it’s more purposeful when everyone understands the issues and embraces the challenge by ‘walking the walk’. We now have the knowledge, have started to make positive changes together and feel supported to keep pushing for positive outcomes.”
Farah Asemi, Company Director & CEO, Diagnostics 360
"In order to provide leadership in this sector, we want to invest in our people to continually build the knowledge and skills they need. That’s why we’re committed to Carbon Literacy training for everyone here. I’m very proud we’ve been recognised with silver status by The Carbon Literacy Project."
Kevin Holland, Chief Executive, Salix Finance
To apply for Carbon Literate Organisation accreditation, please download the ‘Become a Carbon Literate Organisation Pack’ below, and refer to the CLO Standard for details on how to evidence each requirement. Once completed, you can submit your application form to us at [email protected].
To be awarded at the next CLO Award Ceremony in June 2026, please submit your CLO application by the end of February 2026.
NB: An organisation can apply to become a CLO at any time (and after the February deadline). However, the organisation would then be invited to the following year’s CLO Awards ceremony.