Carbon Literacy training: stories from the team

At Axter, we believe that real change comes from within. Helping our team understand climate issues and the impact of everyday actions is one of the most effective ways we can work toward a more sustainable future – for our industry and beyond.

That’s why every member of our team takes part in Carbon Literacy training. The programme highlights the carbon footprint of our daily choices and gives us the tools and motivation to make more sustainable decisions.

In this article, we share some of the stories behind our training – how it’s changing perspectives, shaping habits and inspiring action.

Jamie Watt, Marketing Manager

For Jamie, the most valuable aspect of the Carbon Literacy training was understanding the specific carbon impact of everyday actions. “Learning about the exact carbon cost of common activities gave me a real sense of personal accountability,” he explains. “It also made it easier to identify where I can make meaningful changes, both at home and in the workplace.”

As a result of the training, Jamie has committed to reducing his work-related car mileage and is actively reviewing Axter’s marketing supply chain for more sustainable options.

For Jamie, Carbon Literacy is especially relevant to the industry’s broader environmental goals. “The construction sector is responsible for around 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions,” he notes. “This training reinforces the importance of practical, tangible changes rather than broad pledges.”

“For me, it also highlights the crucial role marketing plays in driving responsible decisions, choosing lower-impact options, and communicating openly and honestly about sustainability.”

Matthew Saunders, Regional Sales Director

For Matthew, the Carbon Literacy training was a wake-up call. “The carbon literacy training was incredibly eye-opening,” he says. “I thought I was living in a relatively sustainable and efficient manner, this was far from the case. It was evident from the carbon impact assessment tools we were provided that there are many very simple, easy, quick wins that I can implement across both my work and personal life that would accumulate to a real meaningful positive impact on the environment around me.”

As part of the training, all participants are required to commit to three pledges, which are reviewed continuously within Axter to ensure accountability. “Personally, I committed to making a change to the way in which I travel by switching from personal vehicle transport to public transport and cycling – regardless of the weather”. Axter has supported Matthew with this by providing access to a new folding bike via CycleScheme.

He has also made changes to reduce his digital footprint. “I have committed to reducing my online carbon footprint by ensuring I reduce the level of attachments issued via email and using other more sustainable methods,” adds Matthew.

“Carbon Literacy matters to us all,” says Matthew. “It’s a fundamental pillar of our sustainability roadmap and is an ever-evolving process for Axter, evident by our commitment to further educate our network of approved Axtershield Installers and client base. This year, we were honoured to receive an increased status as a Gold standard member of the wider Carbon Literacy Project.”

Hannah Woodward, Office Manager

Hannah found that Carbon Literacy training changed the way she viewed her everyday choices. “Understanding my carbon footprint and which emissions have the biggest impact was really valuable,” she explains. “It made me think differently about the choices I make every day.”

As part of her training, Hannah committed to thinking more carefully about the journey her food takes from farm to fork. “I’m trying to eat more locally and within season,” she says. “I’m definitely more mindful when I’m buying food now, and I’ve already made changes to include more fruit and vegetables that are in season.”

For Hannah, Carbon Literacy is about creating shared understanding and purpose across the Axter team. “The training gives everyone the same foundation of knowledge,” she reflects. “It means we can all work together to make informed decisions in our personal and professional lives and understand the impact they have on our planet.”

Ian Thompson, Quality Assurance Director 

For Ian, the most valuable takeaway from Carbon Literacy training was the urgent need for change. “The training really brought this home,” he says. “If we don’t change how we interact with the world, it may be too late. This lesson has stuck with me.”

Inspired by the training, Ian created a Carbon Literacy training programme for site operatives, something that is a first for the industry. “It will help raise awareness of environmental issues and educate younger workers who will have the power to make a real difference,” he says.

On a personal level, Ian has made changes in his own life, including reviewing how he travels and the food choices his family makes. “This has rubbed off on my family, and they now actively look at what they can do to change as well,” he says, noting the positive ripple effect these changes have had.

As a company, Ian is also proud of Axter's achievement of B Corp certification and Gold Carbon Literate status. “It’s great to see the progress we’re making. Knowing that I’m part of something bigger motivates me to keep pushing for change.”

Keen to learn more about Ian’s Carbon Literacy training for operatives? Read the full interview here.

Our pathway to sustainability 

Sustainability is embedded in everything we do at Axter, shaping how we work and think each day. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices across all aspects of our business.

To learn more about our sustainability journey and the steps we're taking to create a greener future, click here.

Join the movement

We’re part of a growing community of over 143,000 individuals from more than 13,000 organisations who are Carbon Literate. Find out more about The Carbon Literacy Project and how it can help your organisation drive meaningful change. 

If you would like to discuss how we can help you with your next roofing project, we would love to hear from you, so please do get in touch.