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Carbon Readiness Checklist for UK SMEs

Carbon Literacy means having the awareness, knowledge and confidence to make decisions that reduce carbon emissions at work.

This checklist developed by The Ecogenesys Training Academy helps you understand how ready your business is to begin that learning journey.

How to complete this checklist

For each statement, select the option that best reflects your
business today.

Yes            2 points

Partly       1 point

Not yet    0 points

1. We understand why climate change matters to our business
We can explain how climate change connects to our costs, risks, opportunities, customers, staff and long-term success.
2. We recognise the main sources of our carbon impact
We have a general understanding of where most of our emissions come from (such as energy use, travel, supply chain or waste), even if we haven’t measured them yet.
3. We understand that everyday decisions affect carbon
We recognise that daily choices made by leaders and staff can increase or reduce our carbon impact.
4. Responsibility for carbon is acknowledged
There is clear ownership or shared responsibility for environmental impact within the business, even if it is informal.
5. Leadership supports learning and change
Senior leaders accept the need to reduce carbon emissions and are willing to learn, reflect and lead by example.
6. Staff are open to learning about climate and carbon
People across the business show interest or concern about environmental issues and would engage positively with training.
7. We have access to basic information
We can find key information (such as energy bills, travel spend, supplier details) that would help us make more informed decisions.
8. We want to make informed, credible choices
We understand the importance of avoiding misleading claims and want to base any actions or communications on real understanding.
9. We see carbon reduction as ongoing improvement
We recognise that reducing emissions is a continuous process of learning, action and review, not a one-off exercise.
10. We are ready to start with carbon literacy
We recognise that building shared understanding and confidence is the right first step before setting targets or plans.

Scoring Your Results

Maximum score: 20 points

Next add up your total score, then read the appropriate guidance below.

Understanding your score & training recommendation

0–7 points | Early Awareness Stage

Recommended training: Senior Leadership Team

Your organisation is at the start of its carbon journey.

Training should focus on decision-makers first, helping leaders:

  • Build a shared understanding of climate change and carbon
  • Understand their influence on business decisions
  • Set the tone and direction for the organisation

 

8–14 points | Developing Understanding

Recommended training: Key Individuals / Teams

There is growing awareness, but understanding is uneven across the business.

Training should focus on:

  • Senior leaders
  • Managers
  • Roles with influence over energy, purchasing, travel or operations

 

This will create several internal champions and prepare the business for wider engagement.

 

15-20 points | Ready for Shared Learning

Recommended training: Whole business

Your business shows strong readiness for shared carbon literacy.

Training for the whole business will:

  • Create a common language around carbon
  • Empower staff to make informed decisions
  • Support consistent action across teams

 

This is the strongest foundation for meaningful, long-term carbon reduction.

 

Turn readiness in action: Book today

Book now

  • Carbon Literacy is most effective when it’s relevant, practical and tailored to your business.
  • If you’re ready to take the next step: Visit: https://ecogenesys.co.uk/training/SMEs
  • To book or tailor Carbon Literacy Training for your business

About Ecogenesys Academy

Ecogenesys Academy helps SMEs turn environmental and carbon requirements into practical action, through expert-led training that teams can apply immediately.

Built on 20 years of environmental compliance expertise, we translate complex environmental expectations into clear, credible and sector-relevant action for growing businesses in a competitive marketplace.

Many SMES are at the very start of their carbon and environmental journey and are being asked to respond before they feel ready. Our training provides the first essential step to building confidence and clarity through Carbon Literacy and helping teams understand what carbon means for their business.

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