Sustainability certifications are an important part of protecting the environment and promoting responsible production and consumption. When a company or product is certified, it means that it has been evaluated to ensure it meets specific standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. These certifications can provide an assurance of safety and quality, as well as a commitment to sustainability. Consumers, businesses, and policy makers are increasingly looking to sustainability certifications to evaluate and compare the environmental impact of products and services. Having a sustainability certification can be beneficial to businesses, as it can provide a competitive edge and can give customers peace of mind. This blog post will discuss the various types of sustainability certifications that exist and how they can be used to evaluate a product or service’s environmental impact. In addition, it will highlight the benefits that businesses can garner from having a sustainability certification.
Why are sustainability certifications important?
Professionals can demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of sustainability practices by obtaining a sustainability certification. A certification can help you:
12 types of sustainability certifications
To assist you in selecting the best certification for your career, the following common sustainability certifications are listed by type:
General sustainability
Professionals can demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental sustainability principles by earning certifications in this category. These certifications can assist professionals in acquiring the necessary abilities to implement sustainability strategies across a range of industries. Here are two highly recognized certifications for general sustainability:
For professionals transitioning to a career in sustainability or recent graduates, the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) offers this credential. With the aid of this certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in sustainability concepts and their capacity to assist businesses in implementing sustainability practices. The organization requires candidates to pass a test that assesses their understanding of sustainability issues and fundamental ideas in order to receive the certification. ISSP sells study materials, such as a study guide and practice questions, to help candidates get ready for the test. The credential is valid for two years and has no prerequisites.
Professionals can apply for the Sustainability Excellence Professional credential after receiving their Sustainability Excellence Associate through ISSP, demonstrating their extensive experience in the sustainability field. It is intended for experts who oversee initiatives to implement sustainability practices. Candidates take a 100-question exam after submitting an application for certification to gauge their understanding of a range of ideas, such as stakeholder engagement, sustainability strategies, and evaluation. Candidates for this credential must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, along with three professional references, according to ISSP. After two years, professionals can renew their certification by continuing their professional development.
Climate and environment
Professionals in environmental or climate-related fields can benefit from obtaining sustainability certifications to demonstrate their understanding of laws and best practices. These accreditations demonstrate their capacity to apply sustainable environmental practices for a company. Here are four certifications you can earn in this area:
This certification from the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) demonstrates that specialists have the knowledge and abilities to assist organizations in creating climate preparedness strategies and lowering their emissions. For mid-level professionals who want to demonstrate their dedication to sustainability and environmental initiatives, the association suggests getting certified. Candidates must pass four exam modules on climate science, energy and water management, laws and policy, and risk management in order to become certified by ACCO. A 14-hour professional development training course is also required of certification candidates. Professionals with training and work experience in a field related to climate can become certified.
For professionals pursuing a career in environmental management, the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) offers this credential. This certification attests to a professional’s understanding of environmental laws and proactive sustainability techniques. Professionals who satisfy NREP’s requirements, which include three years of work experience or one year of a bachelor’s degree related to the environment, can sit for an exam to obtain the credential. The exam covers a wide range of subjects, such as environmental law, hazardous materials management, and pollution prevention. Candidates earn the certification with a score of 75% or higher on the exam Professionals can maintain their certification by earning continuing education credits each year.
This certification, provided by NREP, demonstrates that an individual is knowledgeable about significant laws and regulations pertaining to air, water, hazardous waste, and safety. Professionals must have at least two years of experience working on environmental or safety duties for a consultant or industry to qualify under NREP. Additionally, candidates for the certification must pass a 100-question exam that assesses their understanding of a range of topics, including environmental, health, and safety auditing, site evaluations, environmental acts, and hazardous materials. Candidates earn the certification by passing the exam with a score of 75% or higher
The Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP) offers this certification to those looking to advance in the environmental sector. It exhibits a professional’s understanding of environmental ideas and their capacity to use those ideas within an organization. Although the board requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of professional experience in an environmental role, there are no exams or essay requirements for certification. Candidates also submit three letters of recommendation. Those who achieve this certification have access to the boards’ newsletter and website as well as personalized mentoring through ABCEP.
Construction and infrastructure
Professionals who design, engineer, or construct buildings with sustainability requirements may benefit from becoming certified in this field. Professionals can acquire these certifications to become experts in a variety of sustainable infrastructure and construction frameworks. Three sustainability certifications for building and infrastructure are listed below:
The U. S. Professionals with a thorough understanding of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) framework, a rating system for green building practices, are eligible for this certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The council advises new professionals in sustainability or green building roles to pursue this credential. A 100-question exam is given to candidates for the certification to assess their understanding of green building techniques for both residential and commercial structures, including integrative strategies, materials, and resources, as well as sustainable sites. On a scale of 200, 170 or more is considered a passing mark. Professionals can complete continuing education hours to maintain the certification.
Professionals working in sustainability can gain advanced knowledge of the Green Globe building assessment and rating system by obtaining this certification from the Green Building Initiative (GBI). Online instruction in Green Globe guidelines for new construction, existing buildings, and sustainable interiors is part of the certification. Candidates may use a training manual to take the final exam, which consists of 100 questions. GBI requires a score of 80% or higher on the exam to become certified Candidates must also have five years of experience in architecture, design, construction management, or a related field in order to be considered by the organization.
This certification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure attests to a professional’s understanding of the Envision Framework for sustainable infrastructure. Using this framework, experts can evaluate the long-term viability of civil infrastructure like roads and bridges. Candidates for the certification must complete a training program and a written test, according to the institute. The program covers a variety of framework topics, such as leadership, resource allocation, climate change, and resilience. Professionals have the option of attending a full-day workshop or completing seven online modules to fulfill the course requirements. Candidates earn the certification with a score of 75% or higher on the 75-question final exam
Energy
Professionals can learn how to identify and use renewable energy sources with the assistance of sustainability certifications in the energy sector. These certifications demonstrate a professional’s capacity to create energy-efficient procedures and plans to assist organizations in achieving their sustainability objectives. Here are three certifications you can get in energy:
This certification from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) attests to a professional’s ability to put energy conservation measures into practice. Professionals who work to maximize energy use in buildings and systems are encouraged to obtain the certification, according to the association. Candidates must complete a training course covering energy management principles, including codes and standards, electrical power systems, maintenance and commissioning, and renewable energy sources in order to become certified. After that, candidates take a test to gauge their knowledge of energy efficiency. Candidates for the AEE must also combine their education with professional experience in energy, building, or facility management.
The AEE offers this certification to business, marketing, and energy professionals who work to implement energy improvement programs for businesses and have extensive knowledge of energy management. Candidates for the certification must successfully complete a training course covering a range of energy concepts, such as utility rates, energy audits, energy accounting and marketing, industrial systems, and energy-efficient machinery. Professionals who successfully complete the program’s final exam receive the certification. Candidates must hold the Certified Energy Manager credential and have a combination of training and experience in business, marketing, sales, or energy, according to the organization.
Professionals who possess knowledge of renewable and alternative energy technologies are acknowledged by the Renewable Energy Professional Certification, also offered by AEE. This certification proves a person is knowledgeable about the fundamental principles and uses of renewable energy. Candidates must complete a training course covering a variety of renewable energy topics, such as carbon reduction, solar and wind energy, hydropower, alternative energy programs, and transportation systems, in order to earn the certification. Candidates pass a final exam to receive the credential. Candidates must hold the Certified Energy Manager certification and a degree in renewable or alternative energy, or have equivalent experience, according to AEE.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
6 Sustainability Certifications To Know
FAQ
How do I become sustainable certified?
A business owner typically invests in a program that outlines a few green initiatives that must be finished or added to a project launch in order to receive a sustainable certification. Initiatives that evaluate transportation, recycling, reusing materials, lighting, and even paper usage are a few examples.
What are sustainability credentials?
Frameworks for sustainability credentials give farmers production instructions based on best management practices. The objective is to show how a farmer can be environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Which ESG certificate is best?
ISB & ISF. For those wishing to demonstrate their dedication to competent and ethical ESG practice, the ISF and ISB credentials are one of the most sought-after and respected global certifications. They stand for superiority and the highest level of professionalism in the ESG and sustainability fields everywhere.
What are the 3 principle of sustainability?
What is sustainability, and what do the sustainability principles mean for this concept? The economy, society, and environment are the three pillars that support sustainability. Additionally, these ideas are known colloquially as “profit, people, and planet.”
