A CLO is one that has been accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project as having and maintaining a substantial proportion of its workforce as ‘Carbon Literate’, and demonstrating Carbon Literacy through its organisational behaviour. CLO accreditation is a tiered system with Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, requiring increasing levels of commitment to action on climate change and creating a low-carbon culture
Voluntary Carbon Literacy training has been running in Volkswagen Group since 2022 under the leadership of Head of Aftersales Business Development, Leanne Thomas, with over 200 employees now certified as Carbon Literate. The Group has a tailored Automotive Carbon Literacy programme for its employees. Educating and engaging teams to contribute to sustainability is a core pillar of the UK’s commitments to the Group’s global ‘regenerate+’ holistic ESG strategy.
During the one-day training course, participants learn about the science and impacts of climate change, actions to combat it, and how the automotive industry is affecting climate change. To achieve their Carbon Literate certificate, participants also have to make a professional and a personal pledge which is then tracked and monitored. On a personal basis, individuals have made myriad commitments, including switching energy suppliers, changing travel and eating habits, reducing fast-fashion, and changing numerous products to more sustainable suppliers. Professionally, a number of teams have initiated changes too. These include the increased use of HVO fuels and LED lighting, fleet electrification, solar panel installation, a significant reduction of printed materials in our network and the removal of single use cups.
Dave Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project, said: “Carbon Literacy is an essential skill, vital to every workplace, community, and place of study. It is foundational knowledge and a catalyst to empowering people to act on climate, but it is only the first step. The actions taken and pledged by learners as part of their Carbon Literacy have an immediate impact within their organisation, however it is the maintenance of these and further actions, supported by Carbon Literate organisational culture, that reaps the greatest rewards for both participants and their organisations.
“By becoming a Silver accredited Carbon Literate Organisation, Volkswagen Group UK has demonstrated its commitment to genuine low carbon action, environmental and economic impact, and the building of a low carbon future for us all.”
Leanne Thomas added: “I am delighted that Volkswagen Group has achieved Silver accreditation, and to see the growing interest, engagement and excitement around the topic. Having support from members of our board of management has really helped us to move this forwards, especially in allowing colleagues time and ‘permission’ to take part and then to fulfil their pledges. We’re really proud of the accreditation but even more proud of the changes we’re making and the impact it’s having on our carbon footprint. We’re looking forward to continuing to do more and grateful for the guidance and support of the Carbon Literacy Project team.”
On a global basis, Volkswagen AG was the first major automotive company to commit itself to the aims of the Paris Climate Agreement and has developed a Group-wide decarbonisation programme. The vision of becoming a nature- and society-positive mobility provider underpins the regenerate+ strategy. It has also launched the most comprehensive electrification initiative in the automotive industry and is unreservedly committed to the introduction of e-mobility.
