Road to Net Zero

Reaching Net Zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, and offsetting the remainder, by 2050. For UK organisations, this isn’t optional, it’s a critical target that demands bold action, long-term planning, and sector-wide collaboration.

This course builds on your Carbon Literacy foundation and takes a deep dive into the systems, behaviours, and decision-making processes required to move from awareness to transformation.

This course is ideal for professionals and organisations ready to advance their sustainability journey. It’s especially suitable for:

• Business owners and managers driving organisational change
• Sustainability officers or green team members formulating Net Zero strategies
• HR, procurement, operations, and facilities staff involved in decision-making
• Individuals who already understand Carbon Literacy and want to build on it with deeper, business-relevant knowledge

By the end of this 2-day programme, you will:

• Understand the complex factors influencing the journey to Net Zero
• Identify and prioritise practical actions for your organisation
• Learn to embed sustainability into key operational areas
• Build the confidence to lead Net Zero initiatives in your workplace
• Strengthen your professional profile with certified credentials

This course offers an in-depth look at sustainability’s core principles and their real-world application in business. Key topics include:

• Circular Economy & Waste: Strategies for eliminating waste and creating closed-loop resource systems.
• Energy: Approaches to transitioning towards low-carbon and renewable energy solutions.
• Transport: Solutions for decarbonising mobility and logistics operations.
• Procurement: Integrating sustainability throughout the supply chain.
• Offsetting: Understanding the benefits and limitations of carbon offsetting.

You’ll also develop skills in strategic thinking, climate communication, and systems-based decision-making.

To enrol, you must demonstrate Carbon Literacy through certification or relevant experience, as this course builds on foundational climate knowledge.

This can be met by:

• Completion of Introduction to Carbon Literacy
• Prior training, academic background, or relevant job experience

On successful completion, you will receive:

• Colchester Institute Certificate
• City & Guilds Certificate of Achievement in Road to Net Zero (optional, additional fee applies)

These recognitions showcase your capability to lead sustainability efforts, making them valuable for career growth and organisational credibility.

Introduction to Carbon Literacy (Beginner – 1-day course)

Delivered by an accredited facilitator, this course offers Colchester Institute’s bespoke Carbon Literacy Programme, developed in line with the Carbon Literacy Project and awarded City & Guilds Assured status for its professional quality. Carbon Literacy helps individuals understand the carbon impact of their daily actions and equips them with the motivation and tools to reduce emissions at the individual, collective, and organisational levels.

Advanced Net Zero (Advanced – 2-day course)

Tailored for decision-makers, this advanced course builds on foundational knowledge and dives deeper into the strategic aspects of Net Zero. Participants will explore how to measure sustainability performance, understand offsetting approaches, and create a robust climate strategy with a dedicated action plan. This course is ideal for organisations ready to accelerate their journey to Net Zero.