CASE STUDY

Axter's journey to gold carbon literacy status

We’re proud to have supported Axter in their transition from a forward-thinking flat roof waterproofing business to a Gold-accredited Carbon Literate Organisation – a standout achievement kick-started by rolling out our tailored Net Zero Masterclass.

The challenge

As part of their ongoing mission to “improve the roofscape and transform the world above our heads,” Axter has taken a long, hard look at every part of their business – from operations and strategy to supply chain partners. Already on the path to B Corp certification (now proudly achieved) and with a full carbon footprint assessment under their belt, it became clear that the next step was to equip the entire team with the knowledge and confidence to make climate-conscious decisions, not just in theory, but in practice. The challenge would be embedding that knowledge at every level and extending it to those who help deliver on Axter’s daily promise.

The solution

In late 2023, we worked closely with Axter to develop a bespoke Carbon Literacy programme tailored to their people and their sector. The training sparked thoughtful conversations and tangible actions – from changing internal file-sharing habits to rethinking travel and food choices. The impact was immediate, and long-term thinking quickly followed.

Carbon Literacy is now fully embedded in the business. It’s part of onboarding, woven into annual performance reviews, and supported by an ESG Leadership Team and Environmental & Sustainability Committee that help keep momentum strong. Refresher sessions ensure the learning doesn’t stop, and new ideas keep surfacing. Plus, every new starter joining Axter undertakes the day’s worth of Carbon Literacy training from Hattrick to ensure the whole team is well informed and actively contributing to driving down their carbon footprint.

One of the most powerful insights to come out of the initial training was the realisation that roofing installers – a vital part of Axter’s supply chain – are often excluded from climate education. In response, we partnered with Axter to design an industry-first Carbon Literacy course tailored specifically for installers. The course became a cornerstone of Axter’s Gold certification and is already helping to bring climate understanding to the wider roofing industry.

The highlights

Axter’s Gold certification marks a huge step forward – not just for the business, but for the sector. It reflects a genuine cultural shift where climate action is seen as everyone’s responsibility. From onboarding and performance reviews to regular refresher training, Carbon Literacy is now part of how Axter operates. It’s supported by a clear structure for accountability and a team dedicated to turning learning into long-term action. The creation of a tailored course for roofing installers signals a broader commitment to driving change beyond their immediate workforce – ensuring that sustainability is seen, felt and acted on across the supply chain. Combined with B Corp certification and continuous investment in low-carbon initiatives – from electric vehicle rollouts to pioneering emissions-led product innovation – Axter is showing what’s possible when climate ambition meets collaborative action.