Country lane with a wooden signpost, next to a grass field at sunrise
This is a past course delivered by The Future is Green

Workshop overview

The Net Zero and Climate Change workshop explored the concept of net zero and its significance in combating climate change. Beginning with an overview of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact, it delved into strategies for achieving net-zero carbon emissions, considering sectors like energy, transport, buildings and agriculture, where most emissions come from.
Through case studies, interactive activities and quizzes, learners gained insights into how to reduce their carbon footprint, and were introduced to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
The workshop also introduced the carbon handprint concept, a positive forward-looking action that can be taken. By the end of the workshop, participants understood the importance of transitioning to a net-zero economy and the role both individuals and organisations play in driving this transformation for a sustainable future.

Learning outcomes 

  • define key terms related to net zero and climate change 
  • articulate why the climate system is changing 
  • understand the nature and impacts of these changes
  • have an indication of your individual carbon footprint and the major contributing factors  
  • understand the actions that individuals, organisations and governments can take to mitigate climate change.
People using laptops in the sustainability hub
 
 

Who was this workshop for?

This workshop was designed for a broad audience of those who were curious about net zero and interested in learning about sustainable practices, climate change mitigation, and the global push towards achieving net-zero emissions.
The workshop was for businesses, NGOs, community groups, public sector workers and individuals. Whether it was a student exploring environmental sciences, a professional seeking to integrate sustainability into your business, a policy maker looking to understand the impacts of climate legislation, or simply someone passionate about contributing to a healthier planet, this workshop offered valuable insights into the complex challenge of climate change and the strategies being employed to address it.
Postits on a window in the marquee
 

Workshop content (100% live online sessions)

Introduction

  •  Welcome and workshop overview  
  •  Importance of net zero in the context of climate change 
  •  Definition and key concepts – what do we mean by climate change and net zero?

Why do we need to reach net zero?

  • Overview of the climate crisis  
  • Global warming and greenhouse gas emissions 
  • Introduction to net zero as a solution

Foundations of net zero

  •  Principles of net zero
  •  Understanding carbon footprints 
  •  Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions 

Introducing the net-zero handprint

  • Introduction to the handprint concept
  • Exploring individual, organisational, regional and global contexts
  • Introduction to local area plans: Net-Zero Action Plan, Devon Carbon Plan, Cornwall Climate Change Action Plan
  • Sustainable practices in personal and professional life
  • Case studies: successful net-zero initiatives 

Conclusion and next steps

  • Summary of key takeaways 
  • Resources and further reading 
 
 
This course was part of the Future is Green project which was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council was responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government's five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK. 
 
 

Discover more

Sustainability is embedded not just in research across the University but also in our course provision, education methods and campus operations.