*** For information on upcoming dates and registration for this course, please contact training@greentechskillnet.com ***

Course Overview 

This programme focuses on the implementation of sustainability and ESG in practice. The programme provides participants with an understanding of sustainability principles and their practical application in various fields, specifically focusing on ESG. 

This programme tasks participants to complete a Sustainability Health Check on their business and will act as a catalyst for those who have yet to start their sustainability and ESG journey. 

For the Business: The business will have a health check to help baseline its sustainability performance. The business will be on the journey to preparing sustainability goals and objectives and a roadmap for delivery. 

For the Participant: At the end of the programme, participants will have completed a review and health check of their organisation's sustainability journey and be equipped with the knowledge and skills to plan and develop a strategy and roadmap. 

Course Objectives 

• Identify the strategic value of Sustainability and ESG in the business. 
• Know the different stages of a sustainability journey. 
• Complete a Health Check to baseline the sustainability performance of the business. 
• Design a strategy with goals and objectives to decarbonise the business. 
• Have some takeaway actions to implement immediately. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Sustainable Practices: Recognise specific sustainable practices that can be implemented in various settings, such as green building, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation. 
• Work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to integrate sustainability and ESG practices into SME operations. 
• Conduct a sustainability health check and use the results to develop an action plan for improving sustainability practices in an SME. 

Indicative Course Overview

This programme provides a comprehensive and practical approach to sustainability and ESG for small and medium enterprises. It takes a deep dive into current trends—a thorough understanding of the impact of current global economic, social, and environmental pressures on business. The course helps organisations accelerate their sustainability journey by preparing a health check to understand your organisation's sustainability performance. 

DAY 1 TRAINING

• Background and Context - Introduction to Sustainability and ESG
  • Business case for sustainability and ESG.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs in your business). 
• Defining sustainability goals and targets. 
• Sustainability Health Check 
  • Identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
• Carbon Footprint
  • Baseline carbon footprint for scope 1 and 2.

BETWEEN SESSIONS – HEALTH CHECK 

Participants will meet the trainers for a 30-minute one-on-one online review and coaching session. This session provides a personalised and tailored approach where participants can ask questions about their business and review their learning and progress. 

Participants will complete a sustainability health check survey on their business. The survey will cover a range of topics, including energy use, waste management, social responsibility, and governance, and will initially be tailored to SMEs' needs and constraints. 

DAY 2 TRAINING

• Review of sustainability health check results and develop an action plan for improvement.
• Create a sustainability roadmap tailored to their unique needs and constraints.
• Create an action plan for integrating sustainability across your organisation's value chain.
• Underline the skills and knowledge to apply design, innovation and leadership competencies within your team or organisation. 

Delivery 

Training will be delivered in GreenTech HQ's new state-of-the-art bespoke dedicated training room. GreenTech HQ Sustainability Innovation Hub is located in Senan House, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Ireland's first passive certified commercial building, powered by rooftop solar panels, features eight air changes daily and electric car and bike charging points. 

This will be a mix of 2 x 1-day class sessions with one-on-one online support between sessions.

ENGAGEMENT AND MAXIMISING OPPORTUNITY FOR LEARNING

The programme will consist of interactive sessions, group exercises, and one-to-one with trainers to keep participants engaged and reinforce critical concepts. It is also essential to have breaks for networking and personal reflection. 

Participants who complete the programme, complete the health check, develop the strategy goals and objectives, and the Continuous Improvement project will receive a certificate of completion.