Which IEMA Course Should Employees Take?

Employees are vital to an organisation's environmental and sustainability efforts. Without buy-in from the workforce, a change in process or approach could be doomed to fail. Only by educating employees on the importance of sustainability and the impact their roles have on the environment can an organisation make real change and see tangible results.

IEMA qualifications provide employees with a better understanding of sustainability, environmental management, and the tools needed to drive positive change. The answers can differ slightly depending on the employee’s role, career ambitions, and responsibilities.

What is an IEMA Qualification?

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is a global professional body that supports individuals and organisations committed to improving environmental and sustainability practices. Their qualifications are recognised across industries worldwide and offer a structured pathway to develop a workforce capable of tackling environmental challenges.

These courses equip employees with the expertise to manage sustainability issues, ensure organisations are compliant with regulations, and keep up with an evolving landscape.

IEMA qualifications cover a wide range of topics specifically useful to employees, including:

• Environmental Awareness
• Environmental Legislation
• Sustainability Basics
• Climate Change & Carbon Footprints
• Resource & Waste Management
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

From entry-level certifications to advanced training, these courses cater to employees at different levels of knowledge and experience.

Are IEMA Courses Worth It for Employees?

Before deciding whether IEMA courses are worth the investment, it’s important to understand their value to both employees and employers. For employees, these qualifications offer several benefits, such as:

• Career Development: IEMA qualifications are well-respected and internationally recognised. They gain access to skills that are increasingly in demand across industries.
• Empowering Sustainability Action: Employees gain practical knowledge that enables them to identify and implement sustainable solutions within their workplace. This knowledge can lead to operational improvements and cost savings for the organisation.
• Professional Recognition: IEMA members gain access to a global community of environmental and sustainability professionals, opening doors for networking, professional development, and recognition.

For employers, IEMA qualifications ensure that staff members have the tools they need to make environmentally sound decisions. A workforce equipped with the proper sustainability knowledge supports corporate social responsibility, improves the company’s environmental footprint, and helps meet regulatory requirements. Moreover, investing in these courses can improve employee engagement and retention by showing a commitment to personal and professional growth.

IEMA Qualifications for Employees

IEMA offers a variety of courses, each tailored to different levels of responsibility and experience. Whether employees need a general overview of sustainability and environmental awareness or a more in-depth explanation of some advanced concepts, there is a suitable course.

Below are some of the most popular IEMA qualifications for employees, that organisations pick.

IEMA Sustainability Skills for the Workforce

The IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce course is a short, 10-hour practical course designed for all employees, regardless of their role. It is focused on helping employees understand how their daily tasks contribute to an organisation’s environmental impact and what they can do to reduce it.

This course is particularly beneficial for organisations looking to promote a company-wide culture of sustainability and helps to secure that all-important employee buy-in. Upon completing the course, employees identify ways to work more sustainably, from energy use and waste reduction to pollution prevention.

It’s also a great way to raise awareness among staff members who might not be directly involved in environmental management but whose actions still influence the company’s environmental footprint.

IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management

For those who perhaps need to take another step up in responsibility, the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to build expertise in environmental management and sustainability for their ole.

The Foundation Certificate provides an introduction to key environmental and sustainability concepts and is ideal for employees who are new to environmental management or those who want to understand the basics of sustainability in a more strategic sense.

It covers a range of topics including:

• Global Environmental Issues
• Sustainability Frameworks
• Resource Efficiency
• Waste Management

It’s also beneficial for employees across various industries, as it helps them understand how their role can impact the environment and what changes they can make to improve their company’s environmental performance.

Where to Study IEMA Courses?

When considering where to study IEMA courses, it's important to choose an accredited provider that offers flexible learning options. At Astutis, we offer every single possible option of study to fit your desired style of learning and time investment. The options for these courses are as follows:

• Online: Learners can complete online courses in their own time, which makes it perfect for those with limited time and busy work schedules. It also helps to avoid any potential hidden costs such as travel and accommodation and loss of productivity. Adjustments can be made to online courses to align with the specific needs of a business.
• Virtual: This learning method allows for a more group feel similar to classroom learning. Hosted by a tutor, the course will save on travel costs and accommodation.
• Classroom: The traditional learning method that many workers are familiar with. Expert Instructor-led sessions provide a structured learning environment at one of several sites within the UK, ideal for those who thrive in a collaborative setting.
• On-Site: An expert tutor will come directly to your chosen location and deliver the course to multiple learners. This preserves the classroom feel and prevents the need for multiple individuals to be away from the business at any one time.

If you’re looking to lay the foundations of the skills and knowledge needed to influence positive environmental change in your organisation, we strongly recommend you take a look at the IEMA Foundation Certificate below.