Barnsley College

Catalysing Carbon Literacy & ESD

Barnsley College’s commitment to Carbon Literacy and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has truly been a catalyst for a sustainable culture change. In December 2023, the College expanded upon the Carbon Literacy Project’s Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) to make a full week of activities to further embed ESD in to student learning – understanding the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools to educate and act on climate change within their spheres of influence. The result was being named one of three CLAD Catalyst organisations in the country – alongside Transport for London and North Somerset Council – and training a record of more than 1,000 students.

The College has been held as a benchmark for other institutions looking to replicate its approach and has also developed a pioneering Carbon Literacy training course to local business in cooperation with the local climate partnership. With staff across the College deemed as ‘Carbon Literate’, Barnsley College’s efforts have – in a short space of time – effected a sea-change in attitudes and understanding regarding Carbon Literacy.

What the Judges Thought

The strength of this initiative is the engagement across the institution and the growth from a one-day activity to a week- long activity. The opportunity for students to action their ideas is commendable. 

What it Means to Win

“Winning this Green Gown Award is amazing recognition of the exceptional strides we’ve made to embed sustainability in everything we do. Barnsley College’s commitment to sustainability runs throughout the College – from the overarching strategy overseen by our governors and executives, to the day-to-day work of staff and students.”

David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive

Top 3 Learnings

1. Students are remarkably engaged with Carbon Literacy and want to make a difference.
2. We have been asked to share our approach with other education institutions.
3. We have seen a catalytic cultural change in attitudes to Carbon Literacy after this training.