We’ve levelled up our Carbon Literacy status

Our pioneering efforts towards educating young people on sustainability have led us to gaining Silver Carbon Literate Educator (CLE) status. 

Going one better than our previous Bronze status, the strides we have made over the last two years – which have seen record-breaking numbers of students certified as Carbon Literate – secured us the next level. 

CLE accreditation is decided by the Carbon Literacy Project – a global initiative, recognised as one of 100 worldwide Transformative Action Programmes by the United Nations, that offers training to individuals and businesses to understand and reduce their carbon footprints.  

As a Silver CLE institution, we have demonstrated our ongoing commitment to having a substantial number of staff and students trained in Carbon Literacy – with staff also equipped to deliver training themselves – and to imparting positive influence to incite cultural change in attitudes to carbon emissions and their impacts. 

Sasha Beswick, Head of Sustainability at Barnsley College, said: “To be a certified Silver Carbon Literate Educator is a wonderful accomplishment for us all here at Barnsley College. 

“This is testament to the incredible work which has taken place over the last two years. We have noticed a real appetite for sustainability and Carbon Literacy amongst staff and students, and have been asked to share our approach around the world. 

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming Carbon Literacy Action Day and know that our staff will continue to educate our students to a high standard.”  

Dave Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project, said: “Carbon Literacy is an essential skill for any student to be properly prepared for the world of work and to thrive in a 21st century society.  

“By becoming a Silver Carbon Literate Educator (CLE), Barnsley College has demonstrated a commitment to empowering its students through Carbon Literacy.  

“But CLEs are not only great educators. CLEs run great organisations, taking responsibility for their own impacts, and are able to demonstrate their own efficiencies.  

“CLEs connect themselves and their learners with all the other organisations on their own Carbon Literacy journeys all around them, to the benefit of everyone. This award recognises Barnsley College’s efforts and success in facilitating the cultural shift to a positive low carbon future for us all.”