Page 30 - Office VIBES® Magalogue

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Nowhere in the world is immune from the devastating consequences of climate crisis as described by the United Nations (UN) “Rising temperatures are fuelling environmental degradation, natural disasters, weather extremes, food and water insecurity, economic disruption, conflict, and terrorism. Sea levels are rising, the Arctic is melting, coral reefs are dying, oceans are acidifying, and forests are burning.”
Whilst there are differing opinions on the effects of climate change and what action is required, extreme floods, wildfires, hurricanes, droughts and heatwaves are evidenced across the world for us all to witness.These natural disasters not only cost billions in damage, but they have deadly impacts on local communities and wildlife.
Many sources claim that the climate change is a race that we can win if we take bold, collective action. People are taking personal responsibility with positive steps such as recycling, changing their diet, altering transportation habits, making conscious purchasing choices and reducing their energy consumption but is it enough?
Carbon Literacy is an awareness of the costs and impacts of everyday activities on climate change and the ability and motivation to reduce these impacts. It is not the latest environmental fad but a crucial tool for developing the knowledge and skills needed to address the climate crisis, foster cultural change, and drive meaningful carbon reduction actions.
Developed byThe Carbon Literacy Project and recognised by the UN at COP21, Carbon Literacy is a vital training tool for businesses on the journey to net zero by embedding sustainable behavioural changes that impact people, the planet and profits.
Venture Zero explains it as“an accredited training scheme by the Carbon Literacy Project that explains the causes and impacts of our everyday carbon emissions.It acts as a starting point for making changes to tackle climate change on an individual, community, and organisational level. Research has shown that the training helps achieve carbon savings of between 5% and 15% per person.”They also explain the benefits of Carbon Literacy as:
1. Give your people a clear understanding of the issues
The topic of climate change can be overwhelming. Carbon Literacy Training breaks down the jargon and gives a clear picture of climate change issues facing our planet.Having a solid baseline understanding is a critical starting point for addressing the climate crisis.According to the UN, education is our most powerful tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate.
2. Join other businesses demonstrating a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint
According to the Carbon LiteracyTrust,142,059 individuals and 12,931 organisations have engaged with Carbon Literacy learning. These organisations effectively demonstrate that they're taking proactive steps to reduce their environmental impact. Competitive tender processes often require evidence of the steps you're taking concerning climate action. Having accreditation from the Carbon Literacy Trust can boost your score.
3. Empower your people to make changes that impact the planet and their wellbeing
Carbon LiteracyTraining looks at the changes you can make at an organisational level, and the steps individuals can take to
reduce their own carbon footprint at home and work.These changes are practical and affordable. Tackling the climate emergency isn't one person's responsibility,it's a collective effort, with everyone feeling empowered to make a change. Involving your people can also increase job satisfaction and provide a greater sense of purpose.
4. Embed behaviour change across your organisation
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The actions you take to reduce your organisation's carbon footprint will require changes in people's behaviour. Behaviour change isn't something that happens overnight.Carbon Literacy Training acts as a catalyst for embedding change across your organisation. At the end of the training, group and individual pledges outline the practical steps you're committed to taking that will reduce carbon emissions.
Shout about your proactive approach to investing in people and the planet
Customers are increasingly making buying decisions based on the environmental credentials of a business. It's easy to be all talk and no action.A Carbon Literacy accreditation will clearly show customers your desire to protect the planet. It will also help with your future recruitment plans, as attracting the best talent is becoming increasingly difficult. A study by Fast Company found that pay and benefits are no longer the two main factors influencing people's choice of employer. More than 70% of employees would work at a company with a robust environmental agenda.
You can find out more information about Carbon Literacy at carbonliteracy.com.
Source: carbonliteracy.com | www.venturezero.co.uk
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