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The Speak Carbon Collective was formed in 2021 by a group of experienced Carbon Literacy trainers in Yorkshire. Speak Carbon is a significant partner helping spread Carbon Literacy knowledge, at scale and pace, across a wide range of sectors and organisations.

We are thrilled that they have now been accredited as a Platinum Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO), the highest level in our award scheme.

In this guest post, Speak Carbon reflects on its journey so far and how the path to becoming a Platinum CLO aligns with their core values.

The Speak Carbon Collective

Since our inception as the Speak Carbon Collective, we have worked in close partnership with The Carbon Literacy Project. In fact, it was Phil Korbel, one of the founding directors of Carbon Literacy, who brought us together so we could support each other on our training journeys.

Previously we were seven Yorkshire-based Carbon Literacy trainers working in isolation. Within a year, we formalised our partnership as a CIC (a type of non-profit) and have since expanded our network to include trainers and volunteers from all over the UK.

We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time. This Platinum level CLO accreditation recognises the hard work and commitment of all our members.

The Power of Partnerships

Partnerships and collaboration form an intrinsic part of the Carbon Literate Organisation Standard.  It’s also at the heart of everything we do at Speak Carbon.  The strength and success of the partnerships we have formed have been central to our ability to grow and spread climate knowledge to many more citizens than we would have been able to as unconnected committed individuals. These partners include universities, local councils, commercial organisations, healthcare providers, business enterprise networks who we continue to work with, and The Carbon Literacy Project itself.

We are also proud to embody the strength of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG17 – Partnerships for the Goals – in taking action to combat climate change and its impacts, SDG13 – Climate Action.  There are many people and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate in helping us achieve this Platinum standard, including among others SAIL, Novascape, Coral Mountain, SEE Sustainability, DRH AMRE, Sustainability Changemakers and Climate EQ.

Developing a Trainer Base

Demand for Carbon Literacy training is increasing and along with The Carbon Literacy Project, we recognise that there is a growing need to bring new trainers on board. Implementing Carbon Literacy’s criteria, we have developed our own programme to guide, mentor and support interested persons on this path.  This is additional to our Professional Trainers programme for organisations.

The first step is for individuals to become Carbon Literate.  Once certified as Carbon Literate, prospective trainers are invited to shadow live training, before progressing, when they are ready, to co-facilitating alongside an experienced trainer.  Finally, we support them to become accredited Carbon Literacy Trainers, with the skills to lead sessions with knowledge and confidence.

Looking Ahead

Achieving Platinum CLO accreditation is a big boost for our expanding collective of trainers.  We hope that it will increase awareness of the climate education we deliver and inspire others to get on board or take action themselves.

As the collective grows, we will continue to work alongside The Carbon Literacy Project towards our mutual goal of inspiring others to reduce their carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, we will continue to:

• Meet monthly to support one another and keep up to date with climate issues and training needs.
• Expand our reach into different sectors, forming new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.
• Provide quality, bespoke Carbon Literacy training to as many people and organisations as we can.

To find out how Speak Carbon can support climate education in your organisation, drop us a line at hello@speakcarbon.earth , visit our LinkedIn page or website – we’d love to have a chat.

If you are interested in becoming a Carbon Literacy Trainer or are already a trainer and would like to work with us, get in touch via hello@speakcarbon.earth.