Carbon Literacy Training provides staff and students with the knowledge and tools to reduce their carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same. Since 2023, Curtin’s Faculty of Business and Law has delivered this free training on campus as part of a global movement that aims to certify one million ‘Carbon Literate’ individuals by 2030.
The global Carbon Literacy Project describes carbon literacy as “An awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”
Curtin staff and students work side-by-side during eight hours of certified training to exchange ideas and co-design solutions to tackle major environmental and social challenges through action.
Laura Pitt’s journey demonstrates the program’s power. After completing her Carbon Literacy certification, Laura changed her habits and became a movement leader.
“The most significant action was opting to replace the battery in my existing laptop rather than buying a new one,” Laura said.
By 2024, Laura had progressed from participant to co-facilitator. Her shift from student learner to peer educator demonstrates Curtin’s Students as Partners model in action.
Graduates of the program are leading changes across Curtin. Their actions have started a guild club for grassroots environmental action Sustainability Collective Curtin, developed the Sustainable Event Guidelines, and expanded climate change content in Curtin’s MBA program.
Verifying the impact, in 2024, the Carbon Literacy Project recognised Curtin as a ‘Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation’.
Staff and students can request to join the next Carbon Literacy training cohort by joining the Curtin Centre for Applied Ethics invite list.
Carbon Literacy Training helps staff and students to take collective climate action and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action.
