READING Borough Council has been awarded accreditation for its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The authority has been recognised with a Bronze level “carbon literacy” certification which denotes a dedication to tackling climate change.
Fifty organisations were accredited for showing awareness of the impact of carbon dioxide on the environment and taking steps to reduce emissions on and individual and systemic basis.
It follows a series of carbon literacy training initiatives for councillors and senior managers which is due to be rolled out to all staff in an effort to promote their status to Silver certification.
Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, completed the training last year alongside the leader of the council, the Deputy Leader and other senior councillors,
He said: “The carbon literacy training is hard hitting and effective at highlighting the challenges we face due to climate change and thinking about the actions we can take as an organisation and as individuals to tackle it.
“The Council already has a good track record of climate action, having reduced our own carbon emissions by 74% in 14 years and reducing our use of fossil fuels by 50% two years ahead of schedule.
“Rolling out this tra
ining to staff demonstrates the council’s commitment to ensuring climate change is something that is seriously considered in every department and at every level.”
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.
“By becoming a Bronze accredited Carbon Literate Organisation, Reading Borough Council has demonstrated its commitment to genuine low carbon action, environmental and economic impact, and the building of a low carbon future for us all.”
