University advances on net zero aim with Carbon Literacy training

Released: 21.03.24

Staff and students at Plymouth Marjon University have been training to become Certified Carbon Literate to better understand carbon footprints and work towards the University’s 2030 net zero carbon goal. 

Plymouth Marjon’s entire Executive leadership Team (ELT), made up of five individuals including the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Executive Director of People & Culture, attended sessions and devised individual and a combined set of commitments to further the University’s work towards its net carbon zero aim.  

At the end of the training, participants make pledges to improve their carbon footprint and work towards a collective carbon reduction. The ELT’s joint Carbon Literacy pledge will feed into the University’s ‘Marjon 2030’ strategy as a key institutional priority. Marjon is one of more than 6,900* organisations to pledge carbon commitments. 

The Carbon Literacy Project was set up by Manchester Metropolitan University with a vision of improving people’s understanding of carbon emissions, climate change, global warming, and humanity’s effect on the planet. The globally unique project was recognised at the 2015 United Nations Climate Conference (COP21) in Paris as a TAP100 – one of 100 worldwide Transformative Action Programs. 

At Plymouth Marjon University, 18 staff and students have become some of more than 85,000* Certified Carbon Literate individuals, thanks to training delivered by Marjon PhD Candidate, Katie Major-Smith. Katie’s PhD research at the University has focused on sustainability including a ‘living-lab’ study where researchers, industry experts, and communities collaboratively design, test, and refine novel solutions in real-world settings, fostering rapid development and practical application of innovative ideas. 

Katie said: 

“Carbon Literacy Training is a vital programme for empowering people to take sustainable action. Marjon’s aim to strengthen carbon literacy shows the University’s commitment to helping staff and students have a better understanding of the causes and solutions to climate change.” 

Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth Marjon and one of the 18 people trained in Carbon Literacy, added: 

"Our Carbon Literacy achievement underscores our University’s dedication to environmental stewardship and highlights our commitment to responsible leadership in higher education." 

Plymouth Marjon University is committed to achieving zero carbon by 2030 and supporting a green outlook to improve sector practices and create a healthier future for both people and planet. The University hopes to support more of its community to become Certified Carbon Literate as part of this commitment. 

Learn more about Marjon’s carbon zero goal as part of its Marjon Zero initiative here. 

 

*Correct at the time of publication.