New College Durham principals kickstart carbon literacy training

Principal and chief executive Andy Broadbent and deputy principal Alison Maynard were among the first group of New College Durham staff to complete the Carbon Literacy Trust’s training programme.

As part of its sustainability strategy, the college has committed to the Carbon Literacy Project, developed by the Carbon Literacy Trust. The project involves staff and students working together to understand and act on climate change on multiple levels.

During the first stage of the programme, the College will train staff members as Carbon Literacy Champions who can act as advocates and support the Green Skills team to roll out the training to all staff.

The course is delivered in two parts and actively promotes group discussion. Once both parts have been completed, the college will be encouraging participants to make a pledge of action aimed at reducing their own carbon footprint.

Andy Broadbent said: “The college is committed to playing its part in tackling climate change and moving towards a low carbon future. Research has shown that Carbon Literate citizens have the knowledge to lower their carbon footprint which results in carbon savings of 5-15 per cent per person.

“We hope that by educating our staff they will be better informed to make sustainable choices in their day to day working practices.”

Speaking about the next phase of the project, Alison Maynard commented: “Our ultimate goal is for every student to undertake the training. We want to educate our students about climate change and the impact their behaviour has on the climate.

“We want to arm them with the skills and knowledge to take positive action to tackle the climate crisis while at college, in their home lives and in their future careers.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily