Discussing a strategic approach to the climate crisis: An introduction to the revolutionary IEMA Pathways to Net Zero

It may sound cliché, but there is truth in the following statement. There has never been a more appropriate time to think strategically about the climate crisis. The topic of the environment seems to hang over nearly every other conversation on talk shows, news bulletins and political conferences. Events such as COP26 rally together politicians from across the globe to tell us what we already know; we are killing this planet, and soon enough, it will be too late to do anything about it. 

What is often lost is that, like all examples of radical change, minor changes are as significant as the big ones. An issue such as climate change cannot be remedied simply by lowering corporate emissions, changing to sustainable suppliers or reducing waste. Only a specific minority has the authority to make those changes. There needs to be more awareness for those not in those privileged positions. 

Since our inception over ten years ago, we have prided ourselves on our close partnership with IEMA, one of the world's leading health, safety and environmental training developers. We have continually expanded our environmental training library to mirror the landscape of environmental awareness. Therefore, with even more tremendous pride, I can announce that Astutis are the inaugural partner for the IEMA Pathways to Net Zero training course.

What is the IEMA Pathways to Net Zero course?

IEMA has worked closely with their environmental researchers to develop an extensive decarbonisation training programme for supervisors and managers. The course packs in 14 guided hours across two days, minimising disruption. 

One of the biggest takeaways from the course is the ability to construct a decarbonisation plan to deliver on net zero. Learners will be introduced to substituting emissions, the principles of compensation and neutralisation, and analysis of renewable energies. 

The course incorporates the principles of greenhouse gas accounting, involving activity data and emission factors to provide learners with the complete environmental toolset. 

Behind the actual implementation of a net-zero plan involves the ability to communicate the outcomes both externally and internally across the business. Reporting the objectives and results of a decarbonisation plan is widely undervalued. Therefore, simple and effective communication analysis is also included in the course. Learners will be fully trained in effective environmental communication, thus avoiding greenwashing. 

IEMA considers the course an ideal stepping stone for those looking to take the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management. Ultimately, the course is a fantastic opportunity to transform your individual or collective practice into an environmental powerhouse, but it also acts as an entry point into the world of ecological sustainability.

Why is it so important?

Day after day, hour after hour, you wouldn't be wrong to assume our news cycles and social media feeds are full of daunting realisations about the state of the environment. 

Sometimes the response is to turn over the channel or to continue scrolling. After all, that would be the easy thing to do. However, that time has now passed. 

The message I hear the most now, whether from a global leader or broadcasters such as David Attenborough, is that humanity has no time to waste; it is now or never. 

The IEMA Pathways to Net Zero course is the platform for the individuals and businesses who refuse to be passive on the climate change issue. For this very reason, we saw a massive opportunity to partner with IEMA and proudly showcase this fantastic training course that will positively influence climate change. 

I can speak for all the Astutis family in saying we are incredibly proud to help bring more awareness to the issue of climate change. I am immensely excited to see the positive impact this course has. 

Yours,

Steve Terry, Astutis Managing Director.