Carbon Clubs

The Carbon Literacy Forum (CLF) is setting up a network of Carbon Clubs in Islington and Hackney to help people understand and adapt to a low-carbon future.

"The clubs are designed for people who haven't previously engaged in carbon reduction, as well as those who feel they'd like to learn more about the issues involved," explains Tom Hitchman of CLF. "Carbon Clubs offer a chance for people to learn about low-carbon living in a practical and inspiring way, at the same time as forming lasting connections with like-minded people."

Learning about carbon

CLF is piloting the Carbon Clubs approach with 12 groups, with half starting in January 2010 and half starting after Easter 2010. Each group will follow the Carbon Conversations model developed by Cambridge Carbon Footprint.

Carbon Conversations participants follow a unique 'carbon syllabus' over six 1.5 hour sessions that cover home energy, food, water and waste, and how we spend money. The sessions are interactive and conversational, incorporating group exercises, games and role play. The model is based on the idea that we are much more likely to take action when we find our own conclusions rather than having them prescribed to us. The final meet-up takes place in a social setting several weeks after the previous session, to give members of the group a chance to reflect on what they've learnt and consider the steps they would like to take in the future.

"We've trained a number of course facilitators who will work in pairs to lead the Carbon Conversations sessions," says Tom. "We've also developed a 'cascade mechanism' where group members can go on a half-day training course to become facilitators themselves."

Developing an online toolkit

Course facilitators and group members can access support through a range of events, activities and an online Carbon Clubs network. The Carbon Clubs team will also work closely with the 12 pilot groups to record their experiences of the programme and the impact it has on attitudes and behaviours.

"We'll be evaluating the impact of the pilot clubs during summer 2010. We hope to capture a number of successes, ranging from measurable carbon savings to getting involved in carbon-cutting activities or even setting up new projects," comments Tom. "The evaluation will help us to refine the Carbon Clubs model and develop resources to facilitate its adoption elsewhere."