Volkswagen Group UK has been named as a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO). The title highlights the group’s dedication towards tackling climate change, whilst reducing its carbon emissions and working towards a zero-carbon future.
CLO accreditation is a tiered system with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels, each requiring specific 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. 200 employees are now certified as Carbon Literate thanks to a tailored Automotive Carbon Literacy programme. 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.
The one-day training course invites participants to 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 certificate, participants must also make a professional and personal pledge, which is then tracked and monitored. On a personal note, individuals have made commitments such as switching energy suppliers, changing travel and eating habits, reducing fast-fashion and changing products to more sustainable suppliers. Professionally, teams have initiated changes including increased use of HVO fuels and LED lighting, fleet electrification, solar panel installation, a reduction in printed materials and the removal of single use cups.
“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.”
- Dave Coleman, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project
“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.”
- Leanne Thomas, Head of Aftersales Business Development at Volkswagen UK
Volkswagen AG was the first major automotive company to commit itself to the aims of the Paris Climate Agreement, developing a group-wide decarbonisation programme. It has also launched the most comprehensive electrification initiative in the automotive industry and is fully committed to the introduction of e-mobility.
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