Community carbon literacy training with Lambeth

Between 24 and 26 March 2025, Morley College London extended its sustainability work into the local community through a series of carbon literacy training sessions. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth, the initiative aimed to improve residents’ understanding of the climate crisis and empower them to take meaningful action. The training was supported by materials developed by Manchester Metropolitan University, helping to ensure high-quality, evidence-based content throughout the sessions.

Training sessions were held at Train2Work Academy, Baytree Centre, and High Trees in Tulse Hill, engaging approximately 40 local students. Participants explored the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, the role and impact of greenhouse gases, and how human activities amplify the natural greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming.

Sustainability Champions and Sustainability Project Manager delivering training

Interactive activities brought the science to life, including a hands-on experiment that simulated how greenhouse gases trap heat. A quiz on behavioural choices helped attendees reflect on how everyday actions — from cooking and heating to shopping and travel — contribute to carbon emissions.

Interactive activities with students

The session also introduced the concept of a carbon footprint, guiding attendees through how to calculate their own carbon footprint using an online tool. This was followed by a group discussion on effective ways to reduce carbon footprints in areas like food consumption, clothing, home energy use, and transportation.

Attendees who completed the training received a Carbon Literacy Badge as a recognition of their efforts.

The carbon literacy training forms part of Morley College’s wider commitment to sustainability education and behaviour change, supporting community members in becoming agents of positive environmental change.