Free Carbon Literacy training helps Chichester District residents cut their carbon footprint

Published 21:56 on 18 Jun 2026

Chichester District Council is celebrating the success of its free climate education programme and encouraging residents and community groups to sign up for upcoming sessions on Thursday 2 and Thursday 9 July 2026.

 In 2025, the council delivered seven Carbon Literacy courses, training over 55 participants from across the Chichester District, including local community leaders as well as members and volunteers from climate action groups. The training, which is accredited by the globally recognised Carbon Literacy Project, is designed to help people better understand how daily activities can contribute to climate change and identify practical actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprint at home and within their organisations and communities.

 More than three quarters of the participants have been certified as Carbon Literate as a result of the action pledges submitted during their training. This work is already leading to real, tangible local outcomes, including communityled carsharing schemes, households improving insulation and installing solar panels to cut energy costs, church groups joining the Eco Church programme, and stronger local climate networks across villages and towns. Collectively, the certified actions from Carbon Literate participants are estimated to reduce more than thirty tonnes of carbon emissions from the Chichester District every year.

 Courses will continue throughout the year, with the aim of training a further 100 people. Delivered by the councils experienced in-house Carbon Literacy Facilitator, the next courses will take place over two half-day sessions, starting at 9.30am on Thursday 2 and Thursday 9 July at East Pallant House, Chichester. Online sessions will also be delivered virtually, starting at 9.30am on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 September. 

 We received a fantastic response to the Carbon Literacy training we delivered last year, says Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment at Chichester District Council. The results are already having an impact on the participants communities and local areas. For example, pubs and eateries are exploring more sustainable refits and reducing food waste, while community car-sharing schemes are helping people travel more easily. This year, we are continuing to deliver training to community members as well as training more council staff.

 Our in-house training is completely free and open to anyone, whether they are part of a community group or a business owner. The training covers the importance of tackling climate change at a local level, highlights local actions that are already underway, and helps participants identify additional steps that can be taken — both individually and within the wider community. Spaces are booked on a first come, first served basis, and so Id encourage you to sign up quickly!

 To book a place on the upcoming Carbon Literacy training sessions people can visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e... for the in-person sessions on Thursday 2 and Thursday 9 July; or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e... for the online sessions on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 September. More information about the Carbon Literacy project is available at: https://carbonliteracy.com/wha....

 

This training forms an integral part of the councils Climate Emergency Action Plan, which runs from 2025 to 2030 and includes a range of projects addressing different aspects of the climate emergency — such as home energy efficiency, tree planting, and community action.

 

Last year, the council launched the Chichester District Climate Action Network, which connects individuals and community groups across the district, helping people share knowledge and ideas. It is open to anyone interested in getting involved in local climate action.

 

Jonathan explains: Our Climate Action Network is another step forward in tackling climate change locally. It is helping people work together to support and deliver grassroots climate initiatives — whether that involves planting trees, reducing food waste, promoting home energy efficiency, or repairing and reusing items. If you are interested in joining the network, please email our team at: climatechange@chichester.gov.uk.

 

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