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Let’s Go Zero offer teachers free training in carbon literacy

Leading climate charity campaign, Let’s Go Zero, is offering free online training to headteachers or sustainability leads to provide them with the knowledge and confidence to manage their school’s carbon reduction plans. 

Let’s Go Zero is a national campaign which aims to energise teachers, pupils and parents to work towards their schools, colleges and nurseries being zero carbon by 2030.

The first training course starts on 11th March 2025 and will be made up of a two-hour interactive session, every week for four weeks. Participants will be eligible for the internationally recognised Carbon Literacy certification.

The course has been designed by Jen Gale, a Climate Action Advisor with Let’s Go Zero and a certified trainer with The Carbon Literacy Project. She said: ‘This training will be incredibly valuable, wherever your school is on its zero carbon journey. One of the most important things to do in order to fight the climate crisis, is to talk about it. But that often feels hard – people worry they won’t get the facts right, or they’ll get into an argument, upset someone, or look stupid.

‘We’re really pleased to be offering a brand-new course for schools, which helps counteract all these fears and gives school staff the information, resources and communication tools to handle this important topic. It will be so useful for sustainability leads and other staff members looking to boost their skills and knowledge in climate change, carbon emissions and developing their school climate action plan.’

The course will cover climate science on a local and global level, climate justice and the practical steps participants can take to help their school reduce its climate impact.

Ways of influencing others to take action on climate change will also be covered, and Climate Action Advisors will provide follow-up support.

Oci Stott, who took part in a pilot, said: ‘This is a brilliant course not only because it is engaging, practical and inspiring but also because it provided resources and ideas to weave into workshops that people run for staff and students on climate action.’

In January, the number of schools signed up to Let’s Go Zero passed the 5,000 mark, representing more than 2 million pupils and nearly 300,000 staff.

The campaign defines a zero carbon school as: ‘A school that, on its site and through all its activities and procurement, does not contribute to climate change through carbon emissions. Key impact areas include energy use, travel, waste, water, procurement, food and school grounds.’

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero says: ‘Schools are uniquely placed to contribute to the fight against climate change – not only can they take action to cut their own emissions and carbon footprints, but they have a huge role to play in educating young people about how the world around them is changing, and how we can all play a part in reducing the impacts felt now, and in the future.

‘We know creating climate action plans is something schools need help with, and this is a perfect way to get both the understanding of what’s required and a plan in place for your school to follow.’

The first course will take place on the following days. Let’s Go Zero ask that, as places are limited and in high demand, anyone signing up should ensure they will be able to attend all four sessions.

  • Tuesday 11 March 2025 – 3.30pm – 5.30pm
  • Tuesday 18 March 2025 – 3.30pm – 5.30pm
  • Tuesday 25 March 2025 – 3.30pm – 5.30pm
  • Tuesday 1 April 2025  – 3.30pm – 5.30pm

More courses will be added throughout the year.

Sign up here

Photo: JonSpaull/Ashden

Paul Day
Paul is the editor of Public Sector News.
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