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NRC Logo

Course Code
YFPZ2249A1
Level
Level 2
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
3 Days
Start & End
11 September 2026 - 25 September 2026
Days
Fri
Location
Online

Climate change and sustainability are now central to how modern businesses operate. This accredited course gives learners a clear introduction to climate change, environmental impacts, Net Zero, and the steps organisations can take to reduce emissions and adopt more sustainable practices.

The course helps learners understand the key environmental concepts influencing UK businesses, from carbon footprints to legislation and green opportunities. It also explores how staff can contribute to sustainability goals through everyday actions. The qualification has been developed to support workforce development across all sectors.

This course is suitable for:

  • Employees who want to understand sustainability and Net Zero
  • Organisations seeking to upskill their workforce in environmental awareness
  • Individuals preparing for further study in sustainability or low-carbon technologies
  • Three sessions (Mondays) at Ballymena Campus
  • Additional support sessions available for portfolio completion
  • Guidance from experienced NRC tutors specialising in sustainability and Net Zero

Assessment involves building a short portfolio of evidence during the delivery sessions. 

Learners who complete the portfolio to the required standard will receive the SIAS Level 2 Award in Understanding Sustainability and Net Zero in Business.

 

Learning outcomes include:

1. Climate change and its effects

  • Basic science behind climate change
  • Common misconceptions
  • Impacts on businesses and communities
     

2. Key environmental concepts and targets

  • Understanding carbon footprints
  • UK environmental legislation influencing business behaviour
  • What Net Zero means and the UK’s target
  • Positive and negative environmental impacts
     

3. How businesses affect and reduce environmental impact

  • How business activities contribute to carbon emissions
  • Ways to reduce waste and resource use
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  • Staff behaviours that support sustainability
     

4. Opportunities from sustainability

  • New markets and business growth linked to sustainability
  • How innovation and technology support Net Zero transitions

Learners can progress to:

  • Award in Applying Sustainability and Net Zero Practices in Business
  • Sustainability-related courses at NRC
  • Further green skills training across the energy and environmental sectors

There are no formal entry requirements, though learners should have a basic understanding of English and mathematics.

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You will be required to have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills to enable them to successfully complete the qualification.

Course Fees

Year Fee Reduced Fee*
Year 1 £135 £89
Total

*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.

You must arrange payment of your fees at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration.  Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please contact the College to confirm that an approved Employer Consent Form has been completed and uploaded to the online admissions portal.


Direct Debit Payment

You can arrange for fees to paid by instalments if you are enrolling on a course(s) of 16 weeks duration or more and the total cost is greater than £200. Full details are available on our Fees and Funding page.


Funding

If you have applied for funding, you must provide evidence of your application, such as an acknowledgement email or confirmation from the Education Authority or Student Finance NI. This evidence should be uploaded to the online admissions portal and may also be submitted at any reception.  Once your funding has been approved, upload confirmation to the online admissions portal and email a copy studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.  Find out more about available funding options.

If application for funding is unsuccessful the student is liable for payment of fees in full. All fees to be collected by 28 February 2027.

Contact Details
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk

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