B Corp schoolwear supplier Rowlinson Knitwear has launched a carbon literacy programme to educate its colleagues about the climate crisis and money-saving carbon reduction techniques.
A first in the schoolwear market, Rowlinson’s programme is approved by The Carbon Literacy Trust and launched to coincide with World Environment Day (5 June 2021).
Donald Moore, Chair of Rowlinson, said:
Sustainability can’t be achieved in a vacuum. We want our colleagues to understand the science behind the climate crisis, and how individual and collective actions can create positive change for our planet.”
Each colleague will undertake two hours of carbon literacy training per week for four weeks, covering topics from greenhouse gases and how they affect the environment through to the impacts of climate change on global and local communities. There will also be a strong emphasis on how sustainable choices at home can save money, as well as being good for the planet. Delivered by four in-house trainers certified by The Carbon Literacy Project, current colleagues will receive their training by the end of 2021, and it will be mandatory for all new starters in their first year of employment. Moore continued,
We want to inspire our colleagues to become carbon reduction advocates capable of advising their own families, friends and peers. We’re proud to be spearheading carbon literacy in the schoolwear market, but we also want to spread the message to our customers, supply chain and communities.”
Rowlinson is funding the training and will provide ongoing support to reduce their carbon footprints. This includes signposting schemes and grants and potentially providing direct financial support via a company loan scheme.
Neil Ward, Rowlinson’s Managing Director added:
We’re not going to simply train everyone, bask in the glory of becoming carbon literate certified and then walk away from our obligations. This is an ongoing commitment between us and our people, and we plan to support their carbon reduction efforts every step of the way, while sharing the conversation far and wide.”
Photo: Rowlinson Knitwear Chair, Donald Moore (L); with Managing Director, Neil Ward (R).