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So, you’re Carbon Literate – and you’ve just started a new job. Whether you’re stepping into a similar role or pivoting to something completely new, this is a powerful opportunity. Your Carbon Literacy isn’t just a certificate – it’s a mindset, a lens, and a tool on your belt. But how do you bring that into a new organisation, especially if climate action isn’t yet part of the culture?

Here’s how to start.

1. Re-establishing Your Climate Credentials in a New Role

Showing yourself as someone who understands climate issues and acts on them can help you to stand out and make an impression:

• Demonstrating climate leadership positions you as forward-thinking and solutions-oriented.
• Many employers are actively seeking sustainability-minded staff, even outside of environmental roles.
• Your insights can help the business build resilience, unlock innovation, and meet stakeholder expectations.

Bringing your Carbon Literacy with you is not just good for the planet – it’s good for your professional growth too.

2. Understanding Your New Organisation’s Climate Position

Before influencing change, take time to understand the landscape:

• Does your new employer have a net zero target, are there ESG or sustainability reports available?
• How is climate action integrated into operations, culture, or values?
• Look for sustainability champions or green groups within the business. If they don’t exist – this might be your cue to start one.

Doing your homework here helps identify gaps and opportunities to contribute meaningfully.

3. Applying Your Carbon Literacy in Practical Ways

You don’t need a sustainability job title to make a difference:

• Apply a low-carbon lens to projects, processes, and purchasing decisions.
• Advocate for hybrid working, considerate staff travel, or plant-based catering for events.
• Encourage your team members to consider emissions in decision-making, especially where Scope 3 (indirect) impacts may be hidden.

Small actions, multiplied, matter.

4. Influencing Culture and Decision-Making

Carbon Literacy is as much about communication as it is about knowledge.

• Start conversations. Ask “Have we thought about the carbon impact of this?”
• Suggest including sustainability in regular team updates or planning sessions.
• Offer to run a lunch-and-learn session on what Carbon Literacy means.

Sometimes, change starts with simply asking the right questions.

5. Introducing Carbon Literacy in Your Organisation

If your new company isn’t Carbon Literate yet – this could be the perfect time to introduce it.

• Pitch it at the right level. Whether it’s cost savings, staff engagement or risk management that will resonate with your organisation, speak their language.
• Share success stories from other organisations that have implemented Carbon Literacy training.
• Consider offering to deliver Carbon Literacy training. If you haven’t delivered Carbon Literacy yet, this could be your opportunity to try your hand at being a trainer, starting with a pilot session. Speak to our Trainer team at [email protected] for advice on getting the ball rolling.

If you’re not sure how to frame the case internally, or need supporting materials, get in touch with our team at [email protected]. We’re happy to help.

6. Preparing for Challenges and Resistance

Not everyone will be on board right away, and that’s okay.

• Expect some resistance, apathy, or scepticism, especially if climate work hasn’t been prioritised before.
• Lead with empathy, not judgement.
• Choose your moments, and know when to step back and when to lean in.

Cultural change takes time, but it starts with someone, and maybe that someone is you.

7. Resources and Next Steps

Ready to keep the momentum going?

• Bookmark key resources: The Carbon Literacy Project, your organisation’s climate policies, or trusted sources like the UN or IPCC.
• Consider joining (or starting) a sustainability staff network.
• Stay informed, as Carbon Literacy is a lifelong journey. Follow climate and Carbon Literacy news on social media and subscribe to newsletters, including the monthly Carbon Literacy newsletter.

A new role is more than just a career move, it’s a chance to bring your values with you. If you’re Carbon Literate, your voice matters more than ever. Use it well.