Summit Group empowering individuals to fight climate change.

Summit Group empowering individuals to fight climate change

At Summit Group, we are committed to being responsible citizens and actively contributing to positive change. We firmly believe that when the environment and society prosper, it should benefit everyone. It is especially important that we collaborate, invest in, and support our people to actively participate wherever possible, which is a fundamental part of our citizenship agenda.

Citizenship is an integral part of business

Citizenship is one of Summit Group’s 5 strategic themes and activity is guided by a Working Group of 6 staff members across our different offices. Their role is to champion our citizenship agenda and lead on environmental, social, and governance initiatives. Key areas of focus are reducing carbon consumption and waste, and regular charity fundraisers to support local initiatives.

The Carbon Literacy Project: Empowering change

Most recently, The Carbon Literacy Project—a unique and innovative global initiative aimed at empowering individuals to take meaningful action against climate change—worked with 10 Summit colleagues from across each of our jurisdictions, on a comprehensive training programme designed to increase participants’ understanding of the carbon footprint and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to create a global network of informed individuals who are committed to minimising their environmental impact.

Joe Ogier from our Guernsey business, Aquitaine Group, was one of the Summit colleagues who benefited from the experience: “The training was really interesting and covered a wide range of topics including practical strategies for reducing our carbon footprint, such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and adopting eco-friendly habits. It was a hugely positive experience and prompted me to look at my lifestyle and to make small but impactful changes.”

Local relevance and community engagement

One of the key features of the Carbon Literacy Project is its emphasis on local relevance and community engagement, which aligns to our citizenship agenda. The programme encourages participants to consider the specific environmental challenges facing their own region and to develop tailored local plans. This localised approach increases the programme’s effectiveness and fosters participant ownership and accountability.

Our citizenship champions are located in each of our offices in Guernsey, Jersey, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. “Involving colleagues from each geographical area allows us to tailor and support local environment and habitat protection initiatives” explains Gill Baker, Chief People Officer and Citizenship Working Group chair.

Training and accreditation

Additionally, The Carbon Literacy Project requires participants to undertake several hours of training and an assessment at the end of the course. This is assessed by the Carbon Literacy Project panel and, if successful, leads to individual accreditation for the participants.

Alona Golling, based in our Swiss office, Summit Trust International, explains that “Summit Group was supportive throughout the Carbon Literacy Project. It was a significant commitment as the bulk of the training took place during working hours. I felt compelled to become a part of the Citizenship Working Group as it resonates with my thoughts and values on a personal level, and it was a happy realisation that care for the environment is one of the values of our organisation. Equipping individuals with the knowledge to create change is paramount and I am pleased that Summit Group endorses this approach.”

Looking ahead and expanding our impact

Ultimately, the impact of the Carbon Literacy Project extends beyond individual behaviour change and what Summit Group can achieve on its own. Matt Claxton, Summit Group CEO, who also took part in the project states “As the initiative continues to expand its reach and influence, it helps us as a business make a contribution to the global fight against climate change. Empowering our people to be a part of that for future generations is of huge importance to our organisation and to me.”

All 10 of the Summit Group colleagues who took part in the project have been individually accredited as ‘Carbon Literate’ by the Carbon Literacy Project panel. Furthermore, there are plans for Summit Group to continue its commitment to the project by working towards accreditation at company level as a Carbon Literate Organisation.

Find out more about the Carbon Literacy Project >