Volkswagen Group UK has been recognised as a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO), marking a significant step in its efforts to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and work towards a zero carbon future.
The accreditation was awarded by The Carbon Literacy Project, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to fostering a low-carbon culture through employee education and action.
A Carbon Literate Organisation is one that has been certified as having a substantial proportion of its workforce trained in Carbon Literacy and actively demonstrates low-carbon practices. The CLO accreditation is tiered into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, with each stage requiring greater commitment to climate action and the promotion of sustainable organisational behaviour.
Volkswagen Group UK began its Carbon Literacy training programme in 2022 under the leadership of Leanne Thomas, head of aftersales business development. Since then, more than 200 employees have been certified as Carbon Literate.
The company offers a tailored Automotive Carbon Literacy programme designed to engage employees in sustainability efforts, in line with the Group’s global ‘regenerate+’ ESG strategy.
The one-day training course covers the science and impacts of climate change, actions to mitigate it, and the automotive industry’s role in the climate crisis. To earn Carbon Literate certificate, participants are required to make both a professional and a personal pledge, which are then tracked and monitored.
On a personal level, employees have made a variety of commitments, including switching energy suppliers, altering travel and eating habits, reducing their use of fast fashion, and opting for more sustainable products.
Professionally, teams have implemented several sustainability initiatives, such as increasing the use of HVO fuels, upgrading to LED lighting, electrifying the fleet, installing solar panels, reducing printed materials, and removing single-use cups.
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. 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.”
Thomas added: “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.”
Volkswagen AG was the first major automotive company to commit to the Paris Climate Agreement and has developed a Group-wide decarbonisation programme.
Its regenerate+ strategy is aimed at becoming a nature- and society-positive mobility provider.
