As a sustainability professional, you might be wondering what the best workshop is to engage your audience in meaningful discussions about climate change and sustainability. With so many options out there, it can be tempting to search for a single workshop that outshines the rest.

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However, sustainability workshops are like tools in a toolbox—each serves a different purpose and is suited for different situations.

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Let’s explore four popular sustainability workshops: Climate Fresk, Carbon Literacy Training, Doughnut Economics, and the Sustainable Pathways Workshop. We'll examine their key features, target audiences, and what makes each one unique.

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By the end of this article, you’ll understand that while choosing the right workshop for your context is important, it’s how you facilitate that’s the difference that makes the difference.

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1. Climate Fresk

Climate Fresk is designed to help participants understand the complexities of climate change through collaboration and creativity. Established in France in 2015, it has quickly gained popularity worldwide due to its format.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Recommended Participants: Up to 14 people
• Key Concepts: Climate change systems, causes and consequences, collaborative learning

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How It Works

Climate Fresk uses a set of 42 cards that represent different aspects of the climate system, from human activities to natural impacts. Participants work together to link these cards and build a comprehensive ‘fresk’ that illustrates the complexity and interconnectedness of climate change issues.

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What Makes It Unique

This workshop is all about active participation and collaborative learning. By encouraging participants to piece together the climate puzzle themselves, they gain a deeper understanding and sense of ownership over the knowledge they build.

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2. Carbon Literacy Training

Carbon Literacy Training provides participants with an understanding of carbon emissions and their impact on the environment. Established in 2012 by the Carbon Literacy Project, this training aims to empower people to take meaningful climate action.

• Duration: 1 full day
• Recommended Participants: Unlimited, adaptable to large audiences
• Key Concepts: Carbon emissions, climate action, personal responsibility

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How It Works

Carbon Literacy Training involves a mix of presentations, group discussions, and activities that focus on the science behind carbon emissions and the actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

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What Makes It Unique

Participants leave with a clear understanding of how they can contribute to carbon reduction efforts, both personally and professionally.

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3. Doughnut Economics Workshop

Doughnut Economics, inspired by the book by Kate Raworth, challenges traditional economic models by combining sustainability with social justice. This workshop encourages participants to explore how economies can thrive within the planet’s ecological boundaries.

• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Recommended Participants: 10–20 people
• Key Concepts: Economic sustainability, social equity, ecological limits

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How It Works

Participants engage in discussions and activities that explore the concept of the ‘doughnut’, which represents the safe and just space for humanity. They examine case studies and brainstorm ways to implement these ideas in their own organisations.

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What Makes It Unique

Doughnut Economics takes a holistic approach, integrating environmental sustainability with social justice. It encourages participants to think critically about how economic models can be reimagined for a better future.

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4. Sustainable Pathways Workshop

The Sustainable Pathways Workshop is a versatile tool for facilitating sustainability discussions. It’s designed to help participants understand sustainability concepts and identify actionable steps for positive change.

• Duration: 45-90 minutes
• Recommended Participants: Small to large groups
• Key Concepts: Sustainability fundamentals, impact assessment, actionable change

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How It Works

This workshop uses an impact assessment diagram to help participants evaluate their current sustainability practices and identify areas for improvement. Through guided discussions and exercises, they develop a personalised action plan for implementing sustainable practices.

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What Makes It Unique

With its flexible format and practical approach, this workshop can be tailored to various audiences and settings. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick yet effective way to engage people in sustainability.

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Choosing the Right Workshop: Tools for Every Situation

While each of these workshops offers unique insights and experiences, it’s important to remember that there is no single "best" sustainability workshop. Instead, think of workshops as tools—each suited for different audiences, contexts, and goals.

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Just as a skilled tradesperson selects the right tool for the job, a good facilitator chooses the right workshop for the moment.

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But beyond choosing the right tool, the true art lies in how you use it. Effective facilitation is about creating an engaging, interactive, and memorable experience for your participants.

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Here's what to keep in mind:

• Assess Your Audience: Consider the knowledge level and interests of your participants. What do they hope to learn, and how can you tailor the workshop to meet their needs?
• Match the Workshop to the Context: Different situations call for different approaches. Consider what’s most relevant and impactful for the specific goals of your session.
• Focus on Facilitation: Regardless of the workshop you choose, your facilitation skills play a crucial role in its success. Engage your audience, encourage participation, and create a positive learning environment.

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Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability workshops, but by selecting the right tool for your needs and honing your facilitation skills, you can deliver impactful and engaging sessions that inspire change.

If you’re a sustainability professional or manager looking to enhance your facilitation skills, check out our Sustainable Pathways Facilitators Programme.

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You’ll learn how to make your workshops interactive and engaging, and you’ll gain access to a growing toolkit of workshops tailored for different contexts. Whether it’s a workshop on the circular economy, diversity and inclusion, or a serious game on sustainability, we have the tools to help you make your workshops unforgettable.

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After all, people remember two types of workshops: really bad ones and really good ones; make yours the latter.