For accountants and small businesses, being a Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) may seem like just another box to tick, but it’s actually one of the most significant changes your business can make right now. Becoming a CLO is a business shift that impacts culture, client confidence and trust, and most importantly your bottom line. CLO status isn’t just about climate credentials and green logos.
Why Carbon Literacy Matters for SMEs and Accountants
Carbon Literacy goes beyond simply understanding CO2 emissions; it also provides a useful understanding of how everyday business activities affect the climate in actual terms and, more significantly, a set of tools for efficiently reducing that impact. Clients, legislators, and stakeholders are now closely observing your business’s ability to make significant, credible change, and a CLO accreditation tells the world that you’ re is not just aware of this but also prepared to act.
The Competitive Edge
Clients and larger supplier chains view your business as responsible and future-proof when your employees are Carbon Literate. This implies more chances to secure contracts that progressively support low-carbon providers, better opportunities, and a lower probability of being excluded for failing to achieve sustainability goals. However, implementing Carbon Literacy results in actual savings for your company, so it’s not simply about checking boxes. Employees are able to identify and reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and develop more environmentally friendly solutions, all of which eventually result in lower operating expenses.
Opportunities for Your Business
- Reduced expenses and resource use as employees become more energy-aware.
- Employees are happier and more engaged when they work for companies that are doing the right thing.
- A better reputation among customers, local communities and investors.
- The ability to display CLO certification and logos on your website, contracts, and office walls is immediate proof of commitment to climate action and is a powerful marketing tool.
- Continuous improvement: The three-year CLO is renewed periodically, encouraging organisations to keep improving and leading the way in sustainability.
The CLO Journey: Four Tiers
CLO accreditation is designed to fit your business, wherever you are on your sustainability journey. There are four tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each reflecting a deeper level of buy-in and achievement.
Bronze (Awareness)
- Register and deliver approved Carbon Literacy training
- Certify at least one senior leader as Carbon Literate
- Develop and evidence a future Carbon Literacy plan for the organisation
- Submit a short video reflection from a senior leader
- Set up a simple system to record the impacts of Carbon Literacy in your organisation
Silver (Action)
- Meet all Bronze requirements
- Certify a substantial percentage of your workforce (thresholds vary by business size)
- Integrate Carbon Literacy into staff performance, objectives, and assessment systems
- Promote Carbon Literacy visibly inside and outside your business (e.g., website, social media)
- Publish a brief case study about your Carbon Literacy journey
Gold (Achievement)
- Meet all Silver requirements
- Certify a higher percentage of your workforce (with incentives for senior management)
- Deliver or support Carbon Literacy actions beyond your business (training, advocacy, or research, choose at least one from each)
Platinum (Exemplar)
- Meet all Gold requirements
- Certify the highest percentage of staff (benchmark set by organisation size)
- Complete three new major actions in Carbon Literacy advocacy, impact, or research to showcase sector leadership
- Each higher tier builds on the prior, recognising greater commitment and broader impact across training, advocacy, and measurable results.
- Platinum sets your business apart, establishing you as a recognised champion in climate action and responsible leadership.
Getting Started
It’s a simple process. Choose your entry tier, read the CLO Standard, complete an application, and collect supporting documentation. If you have any questions, please contact us or the CLO team; they are here to help and maintain a focused yet practical process. Every certification lasts for three years, and renewals promote consistent development and help you in adapting to changing requirements and standards.
Why Now
For accountants and small businesses, the CLO badge is about more than just sustainability. It’s about taking changes that are both profitable and realistic while also setting up your business for growth and resilience. CLO accreditation is your ticket to real, long-lasting effect for the business and the wider community, as customers, suppliers and investors expect greater value.
