Building Hong Kong’s Sustainability Future Through Carbon Literacy
In this Future Bites podcast episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Basel Kirmani, founder of Turquoise Sustainability, seasoned corporate professional, and long-time advocate for climate literacy.
Basel is not only a former chemistry teacher and finance leader; he is also a Certified Carbon Literate and Future Green CLP Train-the-Trainer alum, and now one of the emerging sustainability trainers shaping Hong Kong’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Listen and watch our full podcast interview here
Basel Kirmani and Heidi Spurrell explore how science and storytelling drive sustainability action.
The Journey: From Spark to Purpose
Basel’s interest in sustainability grew from a blend of scientific curiosity and personal motivation as a parent wanting a safer future. With a foundation in chemistry from the University of Cambridge, he brings a clear understanding of climate science that strengthens the confidence and precision of his training.
During his time in Hong Kong, he began championing sustainability internally alongside his corporate role, eventually establishing a company-wide platform that sparked his first collaboration with Future Green and set him firmly on the path toward climate education.
Why Carbon Literacy—and Why Now?
When asked why he chose the Carbon Literacy and Train-the-Trainer pathway, Basel explained that while he already delivered sustainability workshops of his own, he wanted an internationally recognised framework behind his work. The global credibility of the Carbon Literacy Project, its UN-endorsed certification, and its structured modules gave him the rigour to complement his natural teaching ability.
For him, the real power of Carbon Literacy lies in democratising knowledge—bringing every employee, not just the sustainability team, up to a confident baseline.
Our Carbon Literacy Train the Trainer cohort reflecting on why personal stories make sustainability truly resonate.
Making Sustainability Personal, Practical, and Positive
One of Basel’s strongest messages throughout the podcast was the importance of personal connection. People act not because they are scolded into it, but because they feel something.
Whether it’s a CEO who realises climate change when their favourite ski resort loses its snow, or friends discovering that vegetarian food can be joyful rather than restrictive, Basel believes sustainability must be reframed as gain, not loss.
Building a Sustainability Culture Inside Organisations
Basel’s consultancy, Turquoise Sustainability focuses on the corporate sector—an area ripe for transformation in Hong Kong. He believes that literacy must spread across business functions, not sit siloed in sustainability teams.
His vision: a workplace where sustainability becomes as automatic as compliance. Where people instinctively book lower-emission travel, evaluate suppliers more thoughtfully, and incorporate ESG into everyday decisions.
Basel presenting the SDGs and their role in shaping business action at our Carbon Literacy Training for NGOs earlier this year!
Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals
Basel emphasises two pathways:
- Become a sustainability champion within your existing role – The greatest impact comes from embedding sustainability into HR, marketing, tech, or operations where decisions are already being made daily.
- Build your network and rely on trusted frameworks – Carbon Literacy is an excellent place to start—credible, accessible, and transformative.
A Growing Need for Climate Confidence
There is also an uncomfortable truth: many people want to contribute to sustainability but feel intimidated by the topic. They worry they don’t know enough or fear saying the wrong thing. Basel argues that this hesitation is exactly what Carbon Literacy helps dismantle.
By building a shared language and grounding everyone in the same foundational understanding, teams move from confusion to confidence. Suddenly, climate conversations become accessible—and even enjoyable.
Making climate knowledge accessible — Basel highlights why understanding the basics empowers meaningful change. Source: Basel Kirmani Linkedin
Why training matters now more than ever
Sustainability is no longer an optional skillset. It is a core competency for future-ready organisations. Basel’s journey proves that when professionals gain the knowledge and tools to act, they not only transform their own careers, but influence entire systems around them.
Whether you want to pivot into sustainability or champion it in your existing role, the first step is the same: get carbon literate.
If your organisation is ready to take the next step…
Sustainability transformation doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when people have the confidence, knowledge and tools to act. Whether your organisation is just beginning its journey or looking to deepen existing efforts, our programmes are designed to turn intention into meaningful progress.
Get the know-how with us:
And if you’re looking for corporate-focused sustainability training and insights, explore the work of Turquoise Sustainability here.
