WARRINGTON Borough Council has been named a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation by The Carbon Literacy Project, after previously earning the Bronze award in 2022.
Carbon literacy training supports the council’s efforts to cut emissions, by educating staff and helping them understand national and local climate issues, and how they can take practical action in their roles.
So far, over 20 per cent of the workforce (666 members of staff and elected members) have been certified as Carbon Literate.
The training has been rolled out across the council, starting with senior managers whose decision-making shapes the overall carbon footprint of the council, and can help drive progress on the council’s ambitions for net zero.
Alongside this training, an internal Carbon Literacy Alumni Network has been established to help staff apply their training day-to-day by tracking progress, offering support, and encouraging continued climate action.
This increased climate engagement has led to major steps in the council’s climate response, including stronger climate focus in the corporate strategy, new reporting and policy requirements, directorate-level action plans, sustainable travel and procurement updates, and wider climate awareness across HR, schools, and community initiatives.
Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for climate change, sustainability and the environment, said: “This Silver accreditation awarded by The Carbon Literacy Project is testament to the council’s hard work to address greenhouse gas pollution.
“By equipping staff with Carbon Literacy training, we’re not only helping them make greener choices in their personal lives, but also empowering them to make more informed, lasting changes in every stage of their career with the council.
“Having so many colleagues complete the training is a vital first step in making the council more sustainable and continuing our commitment to a lower carbon future.”
For more information about the Climate Emergency and what is being done in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/climate-emergency.
For more information about The Carbon Literacy Trust, visit carbonliteracy.com.
