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Best Sustainability Courses & Certifications in 2024
Zyad Hatquai
January 07, 2024
Welcome to 2024 - A Year of Growth and Learning!
As we embark on a new year, it's an ideal time to embrace the rapidly evolving world of sustainability. The year 2024 presents a unique opportunity for self-improvement, career advancement, and expanding our understanding of sustainable practices. Whether you aim to pivot your career towards sustainability, deepen your existing knowledge, or simply explore this vital field, the journey towards a more sustainable future is both urgent and inspiring. In line with this mission, we have carefully selected the top 12 free online courses in sustainability for 2024.
In this article, we delve into the 12 premier online sustainability courses and certificates of 2024, offering a detailed guide for those looking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in this vital area. Additionally, we provide you with the 6 Online Learning Platforms that are a must-have in your browser bookmarks.
Top 12 Free Sustainability Courses in 2024
This course stands out as an exceptional resource for anyone interested in or currently engaged in corporate sustainability. It offers a comprehensive deep dive into the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Participants will gain a thorough introduction to the main components of the CSRD and understand how to effectively implement these principles through the ESRS. Designed to be both informative and practical, this course is essential for professionals seeking to excel in the field of corporate sustainability.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
This course is designed to bring you up to speed on the critical aspects of the EU Taxonomy Regulation, a cornerstone in the European Union's sustainable finance framework. Participants will delve into the intricacies of Sustainable Finance and explore the pivotal role of the EU Taxonomy in shaping this sector. The course also provides practical insights into successfully implementing the EU Taxonomy's reporting requirements, addressing industry-specific challenges and compliance strategies. Whether you're a finance professional, sustainability consultant, or policy maker, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the evolving world of sustainable finance.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 2 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Embark on a free online course delving into the European Green Deal (EGD) and EU climate policy. This course is tailored for individuals with an understanding of EU institutions, policymaking, and climate or energy issues. Over eight comprehensive modules, you'll gain insights into the evolution of EU climate and energy policy, the unique aspects of the EGD, and the key challenges it faces. Ideal for those seeking a deeper grasp of the European Green Deal's objectives and the broader EU climate strategy, this course offers an in-depth exploration of the elements crucial to achieving the EGD's ambitious goals.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 28 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
This 30-minute introductory yet valuable e-learning course from the UN Global Compact Academy, in cooperation with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), simplifies the complexities of science-based targets (SBTs). The course highlights the importance of SBTs for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5°C pathways and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Participants will learn the fundamentals of setting science-based targets and hear from businesses on the benefits of aligning with these crucial climate goals. Ideal for a quick but comprehensive understanding, this course is a stepping stone towards sustainable corporate growth and climate action.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 0.5 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Explore the vast and mysterious oceans in this course, designed for anyone intrigued by marine science and sustainability. Despite being less understood than the moon's surface, our oceans are crucial for global connectivity and play vital roles in economics, culture, and the environment. This course, led by leading ocean science experts, delves into both the challenges and solutions for preserving our endangered waters, based on solid scientific research. It's ideal for fans of documentaries like 'Planet Earth' and 'The Blue Planet,' sustainable development professionals, private-sector stakeholders in industries linked to the oceans, and students in oceanography, environmental science, or related fields. Climate change activists and practitioners will also find valuable insights into the science and governance of ocean usage and conservation.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 36 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Join renowned climate science expert Michael Mann in this course on the fundamental science of climate change and global warming. This course addresses the greatest challenge of our era: the significant warming of our planet due to human activity, which has led to extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods. It's crucial to understand the science behind these changes to address the resulting environmental, societal, and economic impacts. By the end of this course, you'll gain a deep scientific understanding of how and why the climate system is changing, and develop a systems thinking approach to analyze its impacts on natural and human systems. The course covers atmospheric science principles, climate data collection methods, climate modeling, and the effects of various greenhouse gas emission scenarios. You'll learn about the diverse impacts of climate change, from coral reefs and sea level rise to urban infrastructure, following the structure of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's 5th Assessment Report.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 30 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
This concise course offers an insightful introduction to the health challenges and opportunities associated with climate change. It is ideal for those seeking a quick yet comprehensive understanding of this critical issue. Upon completion of the module and passing a quiz, participants will receive a certificate from WHO and UNITAR, acknowledging their understanding of the intricate relationship between climate change and global health.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 2 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Dive into this six-week online course focusing on circular economy principles and systems-based approaches for sustainable living within Earth's limits. As we approach 2030, the course highlights the necessity of shifting from traditional practices to meet the Sustainable Development Goals through circular economy strategies. It blends theoretical learning, practical applications, and case studies, emphasizing transformative actions for reducing ecological footprints.
Participants will explore circular economy's role in sustainable development, learn about systems-based approaches for circular transformations, and examine policy environments that support these strategies. The course, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, combines self-paced study, interactive exercises, group work, and live expert webinars, requiring about six hours of study per week. It's ideal for professionals and students interested in sustainable practices and policies.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 36 Hour
Enroll until: 05 Mar 2024
Takes place: 26 Feb 2024 - 7 Apr 2024
Join the UN Climate Change - UNSSC online course for a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between sustainable development and climate change. This course offers insights into the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing their roles in addressing global issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental protection. Participants will learn about the interdependence of climate action with sustainable development goals across various sectors, from poverty alleviation to economic growth. The course includes a selection process based on a motivation letter, focusing on professional experience and commitment. Upon completion, you'll be able to articulate the connections between climate change policies and sustainable development strategies.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 36 Hour
Enroll until: 28 Jan 2024
Takes place: 01 Apr 2024 - 10 May 2024
This enlightening program demystifies the role of finance in fostering a sustainable economy, challenging the common perception of finance as an impediment to a better world. Key learnings include understanding the principles of sustainable finance, the relationship between the UN Sustainable Development Goals and finance, and the significance of a long-term perspective in financial decisions. The course explores how financial instruments and practices can be harnessed to achieve social objectives, thereby steering the planet towards sustainability. By the end of this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how sustainable finance acts as a crucial tool in driving the global sustainability transition.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 16 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Explore the dynamic intersection of quality, sustainability, and market strategies in the agro-food sector with this comprehensive course. Led by international experts from universities across Europe, you'll delve into various aspects of the agro-food value chain. Key topics include understanding food quality and consumer value, market research techniques, effective labeling, branding, pricing, and innovation in the agro-food sector. You'll also learn how sustainability can be leveraged as a competitive advantage through corporate social responsibility, explore industrial standards, and examine different forms of coordination, especially in retailing and distribution. This course offers valuable insights into enhancing competitiveness while maintaining sustainability in the agro-food industry.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 45 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Explore renewable energy in this course focusing on hydro, wind, and solar power, vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Learn to estimate energy resources, understand the intermittency and seasonal variability of these sources, and examine their electricity production methods. The course highlights the importance of forecasting in integrating renewables into the electrical grid. Developed by École Polytechnique and the Energy4Climate Interdisciplinary Center of Institut Polytechnique de Paris, in collaboration with École des Ponts, this MOOC is essential for anyone interested in the practical and theoretical aspects of renewable energy technologies.
Cost: Free
Level: Intermediate
Time: 15 Hour
Enroll until: Flexible schedule
Top 6 Sustainability Learning Platforms to Add to Your Google Chrome Bookmarks
Keep these six platforms bookmarked in your browser and check them regularly. They are continually updated with a variety of free courses, offering an impressive wealth of knowledge across multiple disciplines. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or explore new areas, these resources provide valuable learning opportunities. Staying informed and educated is key in our fast-paced world, and these platforms are essential tools to help you stay ahead and informed.
An educational platform designed to advance your knowledge and mastery of the EU Taxonomy and its related disclosures (such as the SFDR, CSRD, EET, BTAR, GAR).
2. SDGAcademyX
The SDG Academy offers graduate-level courses on sustainable development to a global audience. Covering vital topics like sustainable cities, human rights, and climate action, our courses tackle the pressing issue of how societies can work together to sustain our planet. These interactive courses, led by a worldwide network of experts, encourage active engagement and discussions among participants. As an initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the SDG Academy expands learning opportunities. Additionally, edX provides financial aid for those seeking Verified Certificates but facing financial constraints.
The One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership, also known as UN CC:Learn, is a collaborative initiative of 36 multilateral organizations working together to help countries build the knowledge and skills they need to take action on climate change. These include better climate literacy and other crucial skills to tackle this challenge.
The UNSSC stands as a vibrant and dynamic community, steadfastly dedicated to fostering innovation in learning and training programs centered around public policy. Offering an extensive selection of over 220 courses annually. UNSSC aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as exemplary leaders and proficient problem solvers in their respective fields.
In this article, we will explore the 12 best sustainability courses and certificates available in 2023, providing you with a comprehensive guide to furthering your understanding and expertise in this crucial field.
Learning for Nature is a premier e-learning programme brought to you by the United Nations Development Programme. With more than 180 e-learning opportunities, the offering aims to promote best practices in conservation and sustainable development, develop the capacity of biodiversity policymakers, practitioners, and local and Indigenous communities.
6. Coursera
Coursera stands as a premier global online learning platform, providing universal access to courses and degrees from top universities and companies. I highly recommend Coursera Plus to anyone with the time and enthusiasm to explore new subjects. This subscription grants you comprehensive access to all the courses available on the platform. It's an excellent resource for self-development and an invaluable tool for those considering a career change, offering the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge in a wide array of fields.
Don’t Stop Learning!
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.