The UK needs to cut transport emissions in half by 2030 – and then carry on towards 2050’s Net Zero. That isn’t something to start thinking about in 2049. Within the CIHT, we have engaged with members, partners and stakeholders, and through the arrival of CIHT Learn, our members can now dedicate a larger portion of their ongoing learning to sustainability.

A climate change learning plan

A good place to start your climate change learning is through the Carbon Literacy – Introduction course. The four modules cover: the fundamentals of climate change; understanding key concepts and terminology; legislation and regulation; and building your own CPD plan.

Ideally, we’d ask every member to watch the video [insert link] as part of their CPD, even though those in larger organisations might be doing something similar. We’ve made it free for members because we have a responsibility to help everyone achieve carbon literacy very quickly because of the scale of the problem and the speed in which something needs to be done.

Elsewhere on CIHT Learn, courses such as Sustainable Transport – Introduction and Sustainable Transport – Planning for Cycling have been tailored to those individuals who work in those sectors and environments. The latter is especially important for individuals involved in active travel projects.

Another important CIHT Learn course is Carbon Literacy – Accounting, aimed at transport planners or anyone tasked with carbon assessments of a new project or strategy.

Sector-specific learning

Of course, there are plenty of other courses and sources of learning. What people choose really depends on what part of the sector they work in. Contractors might consider the Supply Chain Sustainability School, where they’ll find lots of free resources. They may already have access to this information through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) levy.

At a general level there is the Climate Literacy Project, which has been spun out of a group of public sector bodies in Manchester. It’s a really good form of basic training for everyone working in any area of the transportation and highways sector.

And there are an increasing number of Master’s courses and specialist courses across different UK universities and beyond.

My Net Zero Observations

Within the CIHT, many members are working to support the rollout of EV charging infrastructure and an EV charging strategy.

And plenty of effort is being made in active travel all over the country, for example with the introduction of Active Travel England – headed by Chris Boardman. In Wales, we are awaiting the outcome of our Roads Review, which could see a shift in focus to adapting the existing network from building new roads. Meanwhile, in Scotland, there is a target to reduce car mileage by 20% by 2030. The initiative is starting to filter through to policy, including one that allows free bus travel to people under 22.  

Of course, we need to be aware that the sustainability landscape is constantly moving. The feedback from the CIHT Learn foundation course is to include the latest legislation and regulation, because that drives so much activity. We realise we have to update the course every six to 12 months as we're committed to keeping it “live” because we know it's such a fast-moving area.

Register today for your CIHT Learn courses.

Andrew Crudgington was in conversation with John Challen.

Words by Andrew Crudgington, CIHT Climate Change Associate.