An action plan for your company, organisation, school or university

In this step, you’ll focus on creating change in the institutions you’re a part of, whether it’s your workplace, organisation, school or university. These places have immense potential to shape a sustainable future, and you can be the catalyst for that transformation.

What could be done differently to reduce emissions, promote sustainability or advocate for climate justice? This is your chance to imagine what changes are needed, and then design an action plan for your institution, outlining what should be changed and the steps you and your group of peers/colleagues can take to help make them happen.

Step 1: Choose your focus area 

Choose between two focus areas (choose the option that best fits your current life situation): 

• Option A: your current or previous company/organisation (if you’re working/volunteering or have worked/volunteered before). 
• Option B: your university/school (if you’re a student, teacher, or staff). 

Step 2: Identify key areas for change 

Once you’ve chosen your focus, think about the specific changes that could be made to help reduce emissions and contribute to a better and more sustainable society. You can take inspiration from the examples in the previous steps. Below are also some ideas that can help you get started.

Option A: Company/organisation: 

Think about changes in areas like: 

• Facilities: Could buildings be more energy efficient, use renewable energy, or have better insulation? 
• Operations: Could there be better waste management, reduced energy use, or more remote work options? What about commuting or food? 
• Production and supply chains: Is your company producing something that is essential for human needs or the low-carbon transition? If so, could it be produced with fewer emissions and a greener supply chain? If not, could your company instead produce something more in line with social or ecological needs? 
• Investments: Does your company invest in high-emitting industries like fossil fuels? If so, could investments be moved to green sectors that urgently need to be expanded? 
• Profits and what they serve: Is your company’s main priority to benefit society and the environment, or to make a profit? If your company makes a profit, is it used for social or environmental purposes, or does it land in the pockets of shareholders? Could part of the profit be used for climate action? 

Option B: University/school: 

Think about changes in areas like: 

• Facilities: Are the buildings in your university or school energy-efficient? Could they use renewable energy or better insulation? 
• Operations: Could there be more sustainable food options in the cafeteria, better recycling or less waste? Could students and staff commute in ways with lower carbon footprints? 
• Investments: Does your university or school invest in high-emitting industries like fossil fuels? If so, could investments be moved to green sectors that urgently need to be expanded? 
• Curriculum: Is climate change education part of the curriculum? Could your school or university offer more sustainability-focused courses? Are there courses that should not be offered in a climate emergency? 
• Research and advocacy (for universities): Does the university promote research into tackling the climate crisis? Does it advocate for and support climate action in society? Does it offer public education on the climate crisis? 

Step 3: Create your action plan 

Now, think about the actions you or your group of peers/colleagues can take to make these changes happen. Write an action plan outlining: 

• What specific actions you will take (individually or as part of a team). For example, asking the leadership to make specific changes, launching or joining a climate action group, protesting for divestments, or going on strike to demand changes.
• Which changes these actions will lead to in your company, organisation, university, or school.
• How these changes will contribute to tackling the climate crisis.

Step 4: Share and discuss 

Once your action plan is ready, share it in the Comments section and discuss your plan with other learners.