In January 2023, The Lowry began an organisation-wide roll out of Carbon Literacy training. Carbon Literacy is defined by the Carbon Literacy Project as: ‘An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.’ Training in Carbon Literacy results in the knowledge necessary to help create shifts in how we live and work; it has demonstrable effects on the ability to confidently communicate climate awareness, and in ensuring that positive actions feed directly into organisational policy.
Delivered by Jennifer Taillefer, an external, accredited trainer, The Lowry’s Carbon Literacy training is specifically focussed on the cultural sector, acting as a catalyst for our ongoing sustainability initiatives. It involves a full day of learning, in person, on how to best prepare for the impacts of the climate emergency and what can be done to both diminish the effects, and reduce our ecological footprint as an organisation. The first part of the day examines the science behind the climate emergency, and the reasons that it’s come about. This includes the ways in which arts organisations are already responding, and the role of art in raising awareness.
In the second part of the day, the focus shifts to solutions – both on an organisational level, and within our individual capacity for change. Finally, the training explores ways of communicating the climate emergency to others, and how to develop pledges for ongoing action.
Carbon Literacy training is delivered in tandem with a communications strategy that embeds sustainability within The Lowry’s working culture, as well as sharing our ambitions and achievements both internally and externally. So far, 33% of all contracted staff have undergone training, and we are committed to achieving 100% within the next two years.