Carbon Literacy training

Published: March 20, 2023

The Sustainability Committee held an open meeting in January and there was passion and enthusiasm from students and staff to continue to learn about and engage with sustainable practices.

Inspired by this, Lynfryn MacKenzie, Head of Technical Production and member of the Sustainability Committee, secured support and funding from RCS to offer staff and students Carbon Literacy training.

Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind’s everyday actions. The term has had occasional use in scientific literature and casual usage but now is almost exclusively associated with The Carbon Literacy Project.

Carbon Literacy is the knowledge and capacity required to create a positive shift in how humankind lives, works and behaves in response to climate change.

This one-day training session will be delivered at the end of March and participants will acquire a certificate in carbon literacy.

Carbon literacy training – what’s involved?

Part 1: The science behind the climate emergency

What is happening to the planet, and how do we know it’s happening? This section delves into the reasons for the change, looking at economics, consumer behaviour, energy sources and manufacturing. Concepts such as feedback loops and tipping points explain why the emergency has become so very immediate.

Throughout this section, you will look at how artists have responded to the climate emergency and how art can be used to raise awareness. Using video and first-person accounts, everyone will see how climate change is already affecting people’s lives across huge areas of the globe

 Part 2: Training is about solutions

Delving into what theatres and other arts organisations are already doing, including innovations in on-stage work, marketing, front of house, fundraising, and dramaturgy. You will look at some examples and work in breakout groups to discuss how our artistic practice can grow and change, and how we can involve and engage our audiences, funders, and other stakeholders. Finally, everyone looks at personal spheres of influence and how changes in our own daily lives can not only bring about significant change but inspire awareness in others.

Part 3: Dedicated to learning

How to speak about the climate emergency to others, and how to set ourselves goals within our sphere of control and our sphere of influence. These goals will go on to form the basis of the small homework project each participant must complete in order to gain the certificate of carbon literacy. 

When does Carbon Literacy training take place?

This training is for all staff and students across the Conservatoire. The training will be delivered by Jennifer Taillefer on campus between 27-30 March, with only 20 places available each day. The day will begin at 9am and end by 5pm.

Please complete this form to note your interest and preferred day. You will receive feedback or confirmation within 2-5 days of completing the form. 

 Visit the Carbon Literacy Project to find out more