Today, environmental and corporate sustainability are more important than ever. Climate change is a major issue that affects us all, and the actions of corporations have an enormous impact on the environment.
The Specialist Diploma in Environmental and Corporate Sustainability (SDECS) provides you with an opportunity to upskill and take on new job roles related to sustainability. This will enable you to deepen your skillsets and knowledge in climate change, sustainable development goals, carbon footprint management, environmental management systems, sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, green washing, and sustainable finance; allowing you to contribute effectively in your organisation’s efforts towards environmental and corporate sustainability.
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply circular economy in areas such as waste management, product development, and life cycle management for sustainable development.
- Calculate carbon footprints, discuss concepts as well as application of carbon trading, and offset.
- Manage environmental sustainability through key national initiatives such as Singapore’s Climate Action Plan, Singapore Green Plan, and the Resource Sustainability Act.
- Develop corporate sustainability strategies based on an organisation’s business models and practices.
- Apply the sustainability communications planning process and principles to develop a sound communications strategy and plan.
- Explain the role of sustainable finance in steering capital for a sustainable future.
Target Audience
Fresh Diploma graduates and working professionals who are keen to upgrade their skills in the sustainability-related sectors, or are looking to embark on a career path in sustainability.
What is so unique about this programme?
The Specialist Diploma in Environmental and Corporate Sustainability is the first post-diploma programme in Singapore that focuses on sustainability. Through this programme, you will deepen your skillsets and knowledge in the following areas:
- Climate change
- Environmental management for sustainability
- Low carbon economy
- Sustainability reporting
- Sustainable finance
How often do I need to attend the course?
Lessons will be held on weekday evenings and selected saturdays via face-to-face or online learning.
| Day of Lessons |
Duration |
Weekdays
|
6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
|
Saturdays
(Selected Saturdays for field trips) |
Half day or full day |
Note: Practical lessons and hands-on sessions will be conducted at Republic Polytechnic.
The Specialist Diploma in Environmental and Corporate Sustainability offers two Post-Diploma Certificates (PDCs). Participants will be awarded the PDC upon successful completion of all modules under each certificate. The Specialist Diploma in Environmental and Corporate Sustainability will be issued upon meeting 50% of the attendance requirement and passing all coursework and assessments.
| Post-Diploma Certificate |
Modules (45 hours per module) |
|
Environmental Sustainability
|
- Climate Change and Sustainability
- Carbon Footprint Management
- Environmental Management for Sustainability
|
|
Corporate Sustainability
|
- Corporate Sustainability Strategy and Reporting
- Communications and Engagement in Sustainability
- Sustainable Finance
|
Module Synopses
Climate Change and Sustainability
This module aims to equip students with knowledge on environmental issues of climate change such as rising sea level and global warming, due to anthropogenic drivers like depletion of natural resources, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Students will also learn about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and targets, as well as how governing bodies like Conference of the Parties (COP) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) impact policy making through review and assessment of human-induced climate change. Students will also be equipped with knowledge in adaptation and mitigation efforts for climate change through key national initiatives including Singapore Green Plan. They will learn the fundamentals of circular economy and how it is used to improve environmental sustainability in areas such as waste management, food security and renewable energy. The module also provides current solutions, practices, and case studies to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Carbon Footprint Management
The module aims to introduce students to emerging carbon services, which include the calculation of carbon footprints, concepts in carbon sequestration, and application of carbon footprint management through carbon trading, offset and carbon tax. Students will be introduced to essential frameworks and guidelines to target net zero emission, including greenhouse gas protocol for carbon emission (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) and learn how to set and monitor reduction targets for greenhouse gas (GHG).
Environmental Management for Sustainability
This module aims to introduce students national and organisational approaches in managing environmental sustainability through environmental standards, assessments and regulations such Resource Sustainability Act and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The module will also discuss the roles of environmental and energy management systems in sustainability, and regulatory compliance and standards such as Mandatory Energy Management Practices for Existing Industrial Facilities and Environmental Management System, ISO14001. Students will apply these knowledges to complete a project in environmental sustainability using the approaches introduced in the module.
Corporate Sustainability Strategy and Reporting
This module aims to introduce students to the concept of corporate sustainability and its impact on the environment and society. Students will gain deeper insights into sustainability goals and formulate strategies to incorporate sustainability into an organisation’s business models and practices. Students will learn about social issues such as human rights and corporate social responsibility, as well as to include such concerns in sustainability implementation. The module will also introduce students to sustainability reporting, including the application of recognised frameworks to write reports as well as analysing an organisation’s environmental and social performance. Students will apply the acquired knowledge to complete a project in corporate sustainability using the frameworks and concepts introduced in the module.
Communications and Engagement in Sustainability
This module aims to equip students with the importance of businesses communicating about sustainability, their efforts, and topics that they should cover. Students will learn to look at the societal context to examine the social or environmental impact that a brand can potentially have before embarking on planning and designing a sustainability communications strategy. In addition, students will learn to define their target audiences, and the content ideas available to develop their sustainability messaging. Students will also learn to plan and develop public relations and marketing communications campaigns to avoid greenwashing and amplify their messages appropriately.
Sustainable Finance
This module aims to equip students with the essential knowledge of sustainable finance. Students will understand the impetus for integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the corporate finance functions (such as sustainable finance, integrated reporting, and ESG metrics). As sustainable investing issues become increasingly important for all types of investors, this module will discuss the trends in investor treatment of sustainability-related information, and how they could impact corporate disclosure requirements. This module will also explore digital technology that mobilises sustainable finance and gives investors and lenders the tools to harness adequate information for their decisions.
Please click on the "Register" button to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).
The Minimum Entry Requirements (MER) for the Specialist Diploma in Environmental and Corporate Sustainability is a relevant* local polytechnic diploma or degree from recognised institutions.
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least five years of relevant* working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness.
*Polytechnic/University graduates and professionals from the science, business, engineering, supply chain management, information and communications technology and other disciplines seeking to acquire new skill/knowledge domain in sustainability for career transition purposes are considered as relevant and are welcome to join.
Please click on the "Register" button to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).