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Courses
Courses and skills development programmes supporting the just transition.
Courses
Courses and skills development programmes
Energy Management and Regulation
Explore energy management and auditing strategies and techniques for performance monitoring, including regulatory frameworks, energy audit tools, data analysis, energy efficiency principles, renewable energy technologies, and energy pricing mechanisms.
View CourseNVIDIA – Generative AI Explained + Agentic AI Explained
Short introductions from NVIDIA covering generative and agentic AI. No technical background needed.
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FAST-Infra Label Self-Assessment
A step-by-step self-assessment process for infrastructure projects seeking the FAST-Infra Label. Projects are evaluated across Environmental, Social, Governance, and Resilience sustainability dimensions. Upon successful completion, projects receive a Self-Assessed Label and may proceed to third-party verification.
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AGC 150 Battery & Solar - Advanced
Advanced course on system design and integration using the DEIF AGC 150 Battery & Solar with BESS, PV, and other energy assets in land-based hybrid applications. Covers complex energy management, programming advanced applications, and commissioning for engineers and system designers.
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Just Energy Transition (JET) e-Learning Course
A free, 14-week self-paced online course designed for municipal officials, planners, and stakeholders across local government. Covers foundational knowledge and practical tools on governance, finance, energy justice, and local economic development to guide municipalities through South Africa's transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, and economically sustainable energy future.
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Short Course: Energy Law
A deep introduction to energy law covering topics such as oil & gas regulation, climate change litigation, nuclear energy, carbon capture & storage, renewable energy law, the Energy Charter Treaty, and energy justice. Taught by experts from academia, law firms, and industry, with an international and comparative perspective.
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A Just Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy
Understand what is meant by low carbon How can we transition to a low-carbon economy without compromising the environment or negatively impacting people’s lives? On this three-week course, you’ll delve into the concept of a just transition and the options to deliver a low-carbon economy in a fair and responsible way. You’ll discover what low carbon means and its importance before exploring the role of stakeholders, policy development, and labour markets in low-carbon economies. Learn how policy development impacts the transition to low-carbon economies Through real-life case studies, you’ll explore the different elements that make up a just transition including energy use, policy, and legislation. With this knowledge and by exploring practical examples, you’ll understand how policy development is critical in helping to achieve low-carbon economies. Explore the opportunities for business in the just transition A just transition to a low-carbon economy impacts businesses, but it can also present many opportunities. On the course, you’ll learn how to predict, and take advantage of, just transition-related opportunities such as job growth. Learn from the experts at the University of the West Indies Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by specialists from the University of the West Indies. With their expertise, you’ll finish the course ready to take action to ensure that justice is at the heart of your low-carbon decision-making.
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Financing Just Transitions: A six-week training series by PAGE and DCO
A six-week online training series by PAGE and DCO designed to support professionals in mobilising public and private finance for a just transition, covering topics such as budgeting, fiscal reforms, debt instruments, de-risking investments, and private sector leadership.
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Introduction to Wind Energy
A course covering the learning outcomes related to wind energy fundamentals.
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Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Measurement Systems
Learn how to use elements of mechanical measurement systems to conduct accurate measurements, including instrumentation skills, uncertainty analysis, temperature and strain measurements, force, displacement and sound measurements, and thermo-physical and air pollution sampling measurements.
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Introduction to Quality Control
A course covering the learning outcomes and fundamentals of quality control principles and practices.
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Introduction to Mechanical Measuring Systems
A course covering the learning outcomes related to mechanical measuring systems, including fundamental concepts and applications.
View CourseGoogle – Grow with Google AI
Covers AI basics, Gemini, and cloud skills. Recommended starting points include Intro to Generative AI and Intro to LLMs.
View CourseHarvard – Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters
Built for leaders and non-technical folks with zero background needed. Covers generative AI concepts and real-world applications.
View CourseOpenAI Academy
Straight from the ChatGPT team. Covers prompting, agents, and workflows. Self-paced with a free certificate.
View CourseStanford CS221 – AI: Principles & Techniques
Rigorous course covering search, ML, and logic. Public lectures on YouTube. Assumes some coding background.
View CourseAnthropic Academy – AI Fluency
Teaches the 4D framework: delegation, description, discernment, diligence. Focused on building actual judgment rather than just prompting.
View CourseIBM SkillsBuild – AI Fundamentals
Free, self-paced AI fundamentals course ending with a LinkedIn-shareable badge.
View CourseHugging Face – LLM Course + AI Agents Course
Open source, hands-on courses that are constantly updated. Designed for those ready to build with AI, not just use it.
View CourseDeepLearning.AI – AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng)
A classic non-technical introduction to AI. No equations or code required. Free to audit.
View CourseMicrosoft Learn – AI Fluency + Copilot
Self-paced courses great for business users working with Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI.
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Diploma in Technologies for Clean and Renewable Energy Production
Technologies for clean and renewable energy production is a free online course that begins by introducing you to the concepts of clean energy and renewable energy. The course will also introduce you to the cleaner routes for energy production from coal, and the concept of gasification of coal along with the direct liquefaction of coal. The origin of petroleum, how petroleum is used for energy production, as well as some petroleum products and the conversion of intermediate products will also be covered in this course. This course then explains the processes for the removal of impurities from liquid fuel, the upgradation of petroleum residues, as well as the concept of heavy crude oil processing. You will learn about gaseous fuels, the routes for energy production from fuels, as well as the production of hydrogen and syngas from natural gas. This course will teach you about the concept of the sun as a source of energy as well as the applications of solar energy in energy production, and the future of wind energy in energy production. Furthermore, this course will help you get familiar with the generation of energy from water otherwise known as hydro energy, as well as the roles of geothermal energy, tidal and wave energy. You will learn about biomass as one of the most important resources for renewable energy production, and the concept of energy conservation. This free online course will be of great interest to students, researchers, and anyone with an interest in clean and renewable energy production. So, register for this course and start your next learning journey today.
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Practitioner
South Africa is highly dependent on fossil fuels – mainly coal – for its electrical energy needs. Coal is a carbon intensive form of energy. Coalfired power stations contribute innumerable tons of CO2 to the atmosphere. In more recent times, a lot of effort, time and money has been put into exploiting South Africa’s abundant energy sources, especially the sun and wind. Harnessing and exploiting renewable energy also stems from two very important factors. Firstly, the possibility of decreasing dependence on coal-fired power stations and thereby reducing the concomitant degradation of the environment and, secondly, the recurrent energy generation problems being experienced nationally. The rationale for developing a skills programme in hydrogen fuel cell systems is to build capacity in the operation and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell systems. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a new energy generation technology that will generate power without impacting negatively on the environment. It offers maximum efficiency, high reliability, and minimum pollution. It is one of the technologies needed to both generate low carbon emissions, as well as identifying, planning, and implementing the directions for harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources. No other courses or qualifications in the development of skills in operational management and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell systems currently exist in South Africa. This will benefit the energy sector. The government is giving much more impetus to the renewable energy sector and hydrogen fuel cell technology practitioners will find gainful employment. Society will benefit in that the carbon footprint will be reduced. The qualified persons from this skills programme will be able to participate and grow the hydrogen economy – be it in the hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing companies in South Africa. This skills programme is part of the start-up of own hydrogen economy support structure services businesses.
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Domestic Refrigeration Appliance Repairer Skills Programme
This course represents all of the fundamental aspects of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by all persons wishing to work in the air conditioning and/or the refrigeration fields. This course forms the foundation and as such it is imperative that all persons complete the course. Technology 2, 3 and the diploma course follow. No previous knowledge or experience is required. The course has a full theory and practical component in our accredited workshops.
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Small Domestic Appliance Repairer
A QCTO-registered Skills Programme (SP-240207) at NQF Level 3 worth 45 credits, designed to prepare learners to function as Small Domestic Appliance Repairers. The programme covers health and safety, basics of electrical and electronics, Internet of Things and smart appliances, drawings, customer relation management, interpersonal skills, green solar energy, field service report writing, and practical skills including fault finding, diagnosing, and repairing a variety of small domestic appliances such as kettles, irons, food processors, coffee machines, vacuum cleaners, and microwave ovens.
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Introduction to Nuclear Power for Clean Energy
How can a tiny amount of nuclear fuel produce such a huge amount of energy, and why is nuclear power still part of serious clean energy and decarbonisation debates? This Introduction to Nuclear Power for Clean Energy course gives you a clear, practical foundation in the science behind nuclear energy. You’ll explore atomic structure, isotopes, radioactivity, nuclear binding energy, mass defect, Einstein’s energy relation and nuclear fission, so the core ideas finally connect instead of feeling like scattered physics terms. Many learners hear strong opinions about nuclear power but struggle to judge what is technically sound, what is exaggerated and what is missing from the debate. This course helps close that gap. You’ll examine chain reactions, critical mass, uranium fuel, neutron behaviour, neutron moderation, control rods and reactor control in a way that builds step by step. You’ll also study major nuclear reactor designs, including pressurised water reactors and boiling water reactors, while learning how cooling systems, feedback effects and operating controls support nuclear safety. By the end of the course, you’ll have a stronger understanding of nuclear physics, reactor operation and the role nuclear power can play in low-carbon energy systems. This knowledge will help you compare nuclear energy with renewable energy, fossil fuels and other power generation options with more confidence. You’ll also get an introduction to future nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, fast-neutron reactors and thorium reactors. Enrol today to build informed confidence in one of the most important clean energy topics of our time.
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Solar Energy - Solar Technology and Its Use Worldwide
You will learn how to design photovoltaic (PV) systems for the conversion of solar energy into useful electrical energy for both stand-alone and grid-connected systems. You will also study solar radiation and its geometry to be able to extract the maximum energy out of solar radiation at a given location. The comprehensive course material also covers solar thermal devices.
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Understanding justice and fairness in energy transitions (MOOC)
Energy transitions are not solely technological or economic shifts; they have profound social impacts that can either reinforce or challenge existing inequalities. The benefits and burdens of energy transitions are often unevenly distributed, with vulnerable communities frequently facing the greatest risks, such as displacement and environmental degradation, while having limited access to the benefits, such as cleaner energy and livelihoods. Studying justice in energy transitions can help reflect on and better understand the nature of these issues while identifying new ones along the way. Different ideas of justice can help us better understand what a fair or just transition might mean. By incorporating different ways of thinking and reasoning about justice, we can better understand and shape the goals of energy transitions. This course provides a foundation and set of methods to connect different aspects of energy transitions to justice. In doing so, you will learn how to analyse energy transitions in reference to certain justice-related outcomes, connect your own life and energy use to justice, and build and support arguments regarding why we might think of certain aspects of transitions as just or unjust.
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Governing the EU’s Climate and Energy Transition to a Low-carbon Society in Turbulent Times
The course addresses some fundamental questions regarding European climate and energy policy: How did we get here? Where are we heading? What are the ambitions? What are the policy (and other) tools being suggested and implemented to reach those ambitions? What are some of the key challenges? How is climate governance impacted by other urgent crises?
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Introduction to Just Transition
What role can businesses play in driving a just transition while addressing the climate crisis? This course, developed with the International Labour Organization, helps companies understand the principles of a just transition, identify gaps in current practices, and take actionable steps to align with global standards. Through expert instruction, interactive checkpoints, and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to integrate responsible business conduct, social dialogue, and stakeholder engagement into your transition planning. The course outlines seven priority actions to ensure the journey to net-zero emissions is orderly, inclusive, and just—creating opportunities for decent work and leaving no one behind.
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The Green Economy: Blueprint and Opportunities
Learn how green economic systems support sustainability, innovation, and future-focused job pathways. This course introduces the ideas behind the green economy and explains how it supports global development. It is designed for professionals and policymakers. Learners will explore how nations, businesses, and communities are shifting toward environmentally responsible innovation. By understanding these concepts, they gain practical insight into emerging opportunities, green skills, and the role everyone can play in building resilient futures.
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Introduction to Green Economy
A journey that introduces you to the basic concepts, policy instruments and international frameworks of inclusive green economies. This e-course is no longer open for new enrolments as it has been replaced by a new one. Please, check the new e-course Reshaping our Economies designed to build on and expand the insights of this original course.
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Introduction to Sustainable Finance for Climate and Energy
Introduction to Sustainable Finance for Climate and Energy is the first free online course to introduce critical concepts in climate and energy finance to a global audience. This course provides learners with concrete tools for financing climate and energy targets, including sovereign debt instruments (green bonds, blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps), carbon markets, and innovative private finance solutions – underpinned by Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). The course also provides a foundation for measuring impact on climate and energy targets (IMM), and for de-risking sustainable investments in climate and energy. For learners new to sustainable finance, take the foundational course Introduction to Sustainable Finance and the SDG Finance Academy before starting this course.
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Economic Management Sciences: Green Economy
Welcome to the Fundisa for Change Teaching Green Economy and Entrepreneurship EMS Course. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) “empowers teachers and learners to make informed decisions and responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society, for present and future generations, while respecting cultural diversity” (UNESCO, 2019). While it is very easy to pursue economic growth without thinking about its impact on the environment, our current reality is that climate change and sustainability have become a global concern. In view of this challenge, the need to understand the notions of sustainability, green economy and green entrepreneurship, and how to integrate these into the South African school curriculum is an imperative. High school commerce subjects (Accounting, Business Studies and Economics) are viable curricula in which these notions could be better introduced and integrated. Specifically, Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) is identified as school subjects that present the opportunity to integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Education for Sustainable Development foregrounds the integration of environment, society and economies for a better life and future for all. Internationally ESD is influencing curriculum development at all levels and phases of the education system, and in South Africa, we can see the influence of new thinking about environment, society and economy in the CAPS curriculum. Looking at the CAPS: Environment and sustainability within CAPS The CAPS curriculum is based on a set of important principles. These inform all teaching and learning in the CAPS, and have informed the design and development of all CAPS subjects. These principles are: Social Transformation Active and Critical Learning High Knowledge and High Skills Progression Human Rights, Inclusivity, Environmental and Social Justice Valuing Indigenous Knowledge Systems Credibility, Quality and Efficiency This Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) (Grades 7-9) Course focuses on enhancing three essential aspects of teaching: Knowing your Subject, Improving your Teaching Practice, and Improving your Assessment Practice. (Fundisa for Change, 2022)
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Fundisa for Change Teaching Green Economy and Entrepreneurship Course
Welcome to the Fundisa for Change Teaching Green Economy and Entrepreneurship Course. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) “empowers (teachers and) learners to take informed decisions and responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society, for present and future generations, while respecting cultural diversity” (UNESCO, 2019) .While it is very easy to pursue economic growth without thinking about its impact on the environment, our current reality is that climate change has become a global concern. In view of this challenge, the need to understand the notions of sustainability, green economy and green entrepreneurship, and how to integrate these into the South African school curriculum is an imperative. High school commerce subjects (Accounting, Business Studies and Economics) are viable curricula in which these notions could be better introduced and integrated. Specifically, Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) (Grades 7-9) and Business Studies (Grades 10-12) are identified as school subjects that present the opportunity to integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
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Introduction to Wind Energy
What are the advantages and disadvantages related to harnessing the energy of the wind? This free online course will introduce you to using the wind as energy. You will study the process by which wind is converted into electricity through an electrical generator and learn about windmills. Finally, delve into emerging designs to reduce the impact on birds. This material will give you a thorough grounding in the many benefits and challenges that come from wind energy.
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Wind Energy – From Wind Turbines to Grid Integration
This free online Wind Energy course teaches you how wind power is used to create electrical power with a variety of methods ranging from wind turbines to grid integration. With climate change becoming a serious issue, the use of wind power plants has risen exponentially. This free online course will teach you about how wind energy is harnessed, and how countries around the world can improve their wind energy production.
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Diploma in Solar Energy Engineering
You will learn how to design photovoltaic (PV) systems for the conversion of solar energy into useful electrical energy for both stand-alone and grid-connected systems. You will also study solar radiation and its geometry to be able to extract the maximum energy out of solar radiation at a given location. The comprehensive course material also covers solar thermal devices.
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Renewable Energy - Technologies and Storage
This free online course explores sustainable practices for energy conservation, its policies and emerging technologies. As new and advanced sustainable energy technologies continue to emerge, so too do the policies governing their implementation. This course explores the principles underlying sustainable and renewable energy conservation and storage. It covers policies, economics, and emerging technologies in this field. Enroll in this course to gain insights into the best practices and policies for integrating sustainable energy solutions.
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Diploma in Mechanics of Machining
This free online course on Diploma in Mechanics of Machining aims at explaining the physics of the cutting process. Machining is a metal removal process, which can be accomplished by applying force on raw material by means of a cutting tool. It can also be seen as a manufacturing term encompassing a broad range of technologies and techniques. In machining mechanics, the basic chip formation process by the removal of material from a workpiece by the action of a wedge-shaped cutting edge of the tool is considered. The objective of this study is to provide an analytical basis which relates cutting forces, tool stresses, and temperature, etc., to the cutting conditions such as the cutting speed, size of cut, cutting tool geometry, and the material properties of the workpiece and the tool. The course contains discussion of statics, kinematics and kinetics of the cutting process. Experimental findings relevant to mechanics of the process will also be discussed. The course will also include an introductory discussion on non-traditional machining processes. Non-traditional machining processes are now being widely used to generate intricate and accurate shapes in materials, like titanium, stainless steel and other difficult-to-machine alloys having higher strength, hardness and other diverse material properties.
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Mechanisms of Gas Turbines
This free online course introduces you to the fundamental principles of gas turbine starting systems, as well as their procedures and safety precautions. We break down start-up control features along with the characteristics of electric starters, including new advances to their technology. We explore the functionality and features of General Electric’s starting systems (the engine start, motoring purge, water wash and borescope) before examining pneumatic starters. This course investigates the components of the hydraulic start system and establishes its disadvantages: complexity, system weight, flammability of hydraulic fluids and the existence of high-pressure hydraulic lines. We study hydraulic start-system operation alongside functions of the hydraulic oil charge pump, charge pump filter and main hydraulic oil pump. This includes the hydraulic starter motor, centrifugal starting clutch and pre-start inspection steps. This course then shows you how to work out much lubricating oil a gas turbine requires and consumes. We compare the two types of lubricating oil for gas turbine applications: standard and corrosion inhibiting. We demonstrate the harsh conditions experienced by lubrication oil in gas turbines: extreme heat, high contamination and inadvertent mixing with other substances. We cover two types of lubrication systems (wet sump and dry sump) while using a lube oil system schematic to explain the lube oil flow and components of the lube oil and lube scavenge subsystems. We lay out the characteristics, requirements, maintenance and handling of fuel before comparing its types: liquified natural gas (LNG), liquified petroleum gas (LPG), ethane and pure hydrogen. After establishing the functions and components of the fuel system, the course teaches you the requirements for a marine gas turbine engine: starting, steady running requirements and engine acceleration and deceleration. We can help you to master detection methods used for typical transducer faults like speed and temperature transducers. This course also teaches you the spark ignition system’s working features and functions as you become familiar with power turbines and the significance of the synchro-self-shifting (SSS) clutch in starting them up. We unpack epicyclic gears (star, planetary and solar) and demonstrate the advantages of using multiple-planet wheels. We then take you through more clutches: twin-disk, airflex, hydraulic and sprag. We explain the purpose of the ‘bleed air’ and ‘intake and exhaust’ systems before delving into the data-processing aspect of the automated central operating systems (ACOS). This free online engineering course suits anyone interested in the inner workings of gas turbines, particularly those who care about the planet and want to keep it powered with clean energy. In machining mechanics, the basic chip formation process by the removal of material from a workpiece by the action of a wedge-shaped cutting edge of the tool is considered. The objective of this study is to provide an analytical basis which relates cutting forces, tool stresses, and temperature, etc., to the cutting conditions such as the cutting speed, size of cut, cutting tool geometry, and the material properties of the workpiece and the tool. The course contains discussion of statics, kinematics and kinetics of the cutting process. Experimental findings relevant to mechanics of the process will also be discussed. The course will also include an introductory discussion on non-traditional machining processes. Non-traditional machining processes are now being widely used to generate intricate and accurate shapes in materials, like titanium, stainless steel and other difficult-to-machine alloys having higher strength, hardness and other diverse material properties.
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Introduction to Quality Control
There are various ways to approach quality control (QC) and this free online course discusses these approaches as well as the evolution of quality control techniques. You will learn about different components such as Quality of Conformance, Quality of Performance, Quality of Design and how quality characteristics are chosen for developing important control charts. The material describes and discusses the seven tools of quality management and the basic approach to statistical process control (SPC). You will analyze why it is important for organizations and manufacturers to maintain good quality products and services and then move on to the different quality control charts used for SPC in production processes. This free online course also covers the relevance of plotted values on x- and y-axes for sample control charts. This course then outlines in detail the different types and functions of control charts for attributes, as well as their variables. You will study the importance of mean control and range control charts, as well as how to develop a methodology for these charts. You will learn how to examine the relationship between productivity and work-study, as well as how they can be used favorably to improve the economy. Quality control skills are vital if manufacturers want to improve products, test them for variations and help train employees to reach and surpass certain standards. If you’re in industrial engineering or keen on learning about how quality control works in this environment, then sign up today. This course then shows you how to work out much lubricating oil a gas turbine requires and consumes. We compare the two types of lubricating oil for gas turbine applications: standard and corrosion inhibiting. We demonstrate the harsh conditions experienced by lubrication oil in gas turbines: extreme heat, high contamination and inadvertent mixing with other substances. We cover two types of lubrication systems (wet sump and dry sump) while using a lube oil system schematic to explain the lube oil flow and components of the lube oil and lube scavenge subsystems. We lay out the characteristics, requirements, maintenance and handling of fuel before comparing its types: liquified natural gas (LNG), liquified petroleum gas (LPG), ethane and pure hydrogen. After establishing the functions and components of the fuel system, the course teaches you the requirements for a marine gas turbine engine: starting, steady running requirements and engine acceleration and deceleration. We can help you to master detection methods used for typical transducer faults like speed and temperature transducers. This course also teaches you the spark ignition system’s working features and functions as you become familiar with power turbines and the significance of the synchro-self-shifting (SSS) clutch in starting them up. We unpack epicyclic gears (star, planetary and solar) and demonstrate the advantages of using multiple-planet wheels. We then take you through more clutches: twin-disk, airflex, hydraulic and sprag. We explain the purpose of the ‘bleed air’ and ‘intake and exhaust’ systems before delving into the data-processing aspect of the automated central operating systems (ACOS). This free online engineering course suits anyone interested in the inner workings of gas turbines, particularly those who care about the planet and want to keep it powered with clean energy. In machining mechanics, the basic chip formation process by the removal of material from a workpiece by the action of a wedge-shaped cutting edge of the tool is considered. The objective of this study is to provide an analytical basis which relates cutting forces, tool stresses, and temperature, etc., to the cutting conditions such as the cutting speed, size of cut, cutting tool geometry, and the material properties of the workpiece and the tool. The course contains discussion of statics, kinematics and kinetics of the cutting process. Experimental findings relevant to mechanics of the process will also be discussed. The course will also include an introductory discussion on non-traditional machining processes. Non-traditional machining processes are now being widely used to generate intricate and accurate shapes in materials, like titanium, stainless steel and other difficult-to-machine alloys having higher strength, hardness and other diverse material properties.
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Understanding Environmental Law
Environmental laws are crucial amid mounting environmental concerns as they serve as a foundation for achieving environmental sustainability. Sadly, efforts to achieve sustainable development and environmental sustainability are hampered by violations of environmental legislation. To help you address such violations, this law course examines the UK’s legal system and explains how it responds and is affected by different environmental issues. We then explore the main areas of environmental law. International environmental laws and institutes act as the principal framework for international cooperation that aim to protect the local, regional and global environment. The course introduces you to the environmental aspects of international law and establishes the need for such a legal framework and the organisations that employ it to implement environmental policies like the Legacy Act that protects the Great Lakes in forums like the United Nations General Assembly. This law course also looks at compliance and government procedures as they aim to establish common ground for the application of international law as it relates to global environmental challenges. We also demonstrate the importance of effective environmental laws and regulation enforcement for good environmental management. Human existence depends on the fate of the planet and it is critical that we enact laws to safeguard our natural world. Environmental laws offer a legal route towards sustainable development and green protections so sign up to do your part for the environment
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Green Infrastructure for Cities: Planning, Design and Implementation
Urban flooding, polluted runoff, and rising heat are no longer “rare events”; they’re weekly headlines in many cities. Meanwhile, traditional grey infrastructure is costly, disruptive, and often sized for yesterday’s climate. So what do you do when your streets flood, your waterways fail water-quality targets, and your capital budget is already stretched? This course shows how green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions can deliver urban stormwater management and climate adaptation benefits together, with practical examples you can apply. You’ll explore the complete GI toolkit, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, permeable pavements, urban trees, and infiltration systems, and learn how they function as green stormwater infrastructure. Step by step, you’ll cover decision-making across municipalities, the roles of planners, engineers, utilities, and consultants, plus the design principles that keep projects credible. Expect a clear view of performance goals, site constraints, and data that support better choices, such as rainfall intensity, soils, topography, and drainage networks. You’ll also tackle maintenance planning and community buy-in early. Because even the best design can fail at the approval stage, you’ll dig into policy frameworks, governance, and legislation that support GI, including regulatory tools tied to low-impact development and regional planning. You’ll examine real-world outcomes, from improved water quality and reduced flood risk to cooler neighborhoods and stronger public spaces, while also learning what can go wrong and how to prevent it. By the end, you’ll be ready to evaluate proposals, shape standards, and build scalable GI programs for sustainable, resilient cities. Enroll now and turn runoff problems into greener urban wins.
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Sustainable Architecture: Energy Efficiency and Quality
This free online energy efficient building course discusses the architectural design strategies for low-energy, pollution-free, healthy and comfortable indoor environments. It begins by looking at the current energy consumption scenario and the related terminologies and definitions. This leads you to the specific requirements for energy-efficient building design in terms of materials, equipment and practices. You will learn about the different factors and components of a building which contribute towards heat gain and how they can be optimized through design and material selection. You will also learn about the electricity-consuming equipment installed inside a building which can be controlled and made to consume less electricity; in compliance with the Green Building Rating Programs. Next, you will be introduced to the concept of Net Zero Buildings with examples and case studies. This will be followed by the concept of indoor pollution, the causes, the effects and how it can be managed to meet the indoor air quality regulatory standards. You will learn about the unhealthy volatile organic compounds released by the materials used on indoor surfaces and the role of natural and mechanical ventilation in maintaining the indoor air quality. Finally, you will learn how to design building interiors for thermal and visual comfort. The importance of health, safety and general well-being of the occupants are taken into consideration through the various parameters, standards and compliance approaches. This includes the design of the space, furniture, acoustics, aesthetics and connectivity between the indoor and outdoor areas. Although largely addressed towards undergraduate students, all others who want to learn about sustainable and green building concepts and who are planning to go ahead in the field of green building design and implementation, will greatly benefit from this energy efficient building course. Why wait, start this course today! You’ll explore the complete GI toolkit, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, permeable pavements, urban trees, and infiltration systems, and learn how they function as green stormwater infrastructure. Step by step, you’ll cover decision-making across municipalities, the roles of planners, engineers, utilities, and consultants, plus the design principles that keep projects credible. Expect a clear view of performance goals, site constraints, and data that support better choices, such as rainfall intensity, soils, topography, and drainage networks. You’ll also tackle maintenance planning and community buy-in early. Because even the best design can fail at the approval stage, you’ll dig into policy frameworks, governance, and legislation that support GI, including regulatory tools tied to low-impact development and regional planning. You’ll examine real-world outcomes, from improved water quality and reduced flood risk to cooler neighborhoods and stronger public spaces, while also learning what can go wrong and how to prevent it. By the end, you’ll be ready to evaluate proposals, shape standards, and build scalable GI programs for sustainable, resilient cities. Enroll now and turn runoff problems into greener urban wins.
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Environmental Management and Legal Compliance
One of humanity's most important dilemmas today is the extensive environmental damage caused by pollution. This damage leads to harsh weather conditions, droughts, floods and hurricanes worldwide. One of the primary causes of this ecological damage is extensive industrialisation. These harmful practices have released pollutants into the environment and harmed their surroundings. A critical reason industries contribute to environmental damage is the lack of proper education regarding identifying and mitigating these hazards. Considering these facts, we have designed this course with two essential components. The first component will allow you to identify the industrial causes of environmental damage. The second will focus on helping companies and industries meet their national legal requirements regarding environmental protection. In this regard, the course presents two environmental protection laws from the United Kingdom and the United States. The course is unique because it contains different statistics that tell you about the severity of this problem and the need to take urgent action. Furthermore, we will focus on the greenhouse effect, which results from air pollution generated by extensive industrial activities. In addition, appealing graphics will pique your interest. Finally, a summary will help you recall and retain the vital knowledge points before you take the small assessment and earn your Alison certificate. Register today! Next, you will be introduced to the concept of Net Zero Buildings with examples and case studies. This will be followed by the concept of indoor pollution, the causes, the effects and how it can be managed to meet the indoor air quality regulatory standards. You will learn about the unhealthy volatile organic compounds released by the materials used on indoor surfaces and the role of natural and mechanical ventilation in maintaining the indoor air quality. Finally, you will learn how to design building interiors for thermal and visual comfort. The importance of health, safety and general well-being of the occupants are taken into consideration through the various parameters, standards and compliance approaches. This includes the design of the space, furniture, acoustics, aesthetics and connectivity between the indoor and outdoor areas. Although largely addressed towards undergraduate students, all others who want to learn about sustainable and green building concepts and who are planning to go ahead in the field of green building design and implementation, will greatly benefit from this energy efficient building course. Why wait, start this course today! You’ll explore the complete GI toolkit, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, permeable pavements, urban trees, and infiltration systems, and learn how they function as green stormwater infrastructure. Step by step, you’ll cover decision-making across municipalities, the roles of planners, engineers, utilities, and consultants, plus the design principles that keep projects credible. Expect a clear view of performance goals, site constraints, and data that support better choices, such as rainfall intensity, soils, topography, and drainage networks. You’ll also tackle maintenance planning and community buy-in early. Because even the best design can fail at the approval stage, you’ll dig into policy frameworks, governance, and legislation that support GI, including regulatory tools tied to low-impact development and regional planning. You’ll examine real-world outcomes, from improved water quality and reduced flood risk to cooler neighborhoods and stronger public spaces, while also learning what can go wrong and how to prevent it. By the end, you’ll be ready to evaluate proposals, shape standards, and build scalable GI programs for sustainable, resilient cities. Enroll now and turn runoff problems into greener urban wins.
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WHMIS Workplace Hazard Safety Training
Have you ever felt unsure what those hazard symbols mean or how to stay safe around chemicals at work? It’s easy to feel unsure when labels look confusing and the risks aren’t clear. One wrong move can lead to accidents, injuries, or serious health problems for you or your coworkers. This course makes WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) simple and easy to follow in any workplace. It walks you through the basics, from understanding hazards to reading labels and safety data sheets. You’ll see how these tools work in real workplaces, so you’re not left guessing what to do in everyday situations. By the end, you’ll be able to spot hazards quickly and understand what labels and symbols are telling you. You’ll know how to handle materials safely and follow the right steps to avoid harm. Most importantly, you’ll feel more confident making safe choices at work every day. This course content was created in partnership with Frankie Vasquez, who is a professional WHMIS content reviewer and editor. The authors generated this text with the help of ChatGPT. After drafting, the authors and subject matter experts reviewed, edited, and revised the text to ensure it is correct and meets Alison’s high-quality standards. Join this course now and learn how to stay safe, handle hazards properly and make confident decisions at work. Considering these facts, we have designed this course with two essential components. The first component will allow you to identify the industrial causes of environmental damage. The second will focus on helping companies and industries meet their national legal requirements regarding environmental protection. In this regard, the course presents two environmental protection laws from the United Kingdom and the United States. The course is unique because it contains different statistics that tell you about the severity of this problem and the need to take urgent action. Furthermore, we will focus on the greenhouse effect, which results from air pollution generated by extensive industrial activities. In addition, appealing graphics will pique your interest. Finally, a summary will help you recall and retain the vital knowledge points before you take the small assessment and earn your Alison certificate. Register today! Next, you will be introduced to the concept of Net Zero Buildings with examples and case studies. This will be followed by the concept of indoor pollution, the causes, the effects and how it can be managed to meet the indoor air quality regulatory standards. You will learn about the unhealthy volatile organic compounds released by the materials used on indoor surfaces and the role of natural and mechanical ventilation in maintaining the indoor air quality. Finally, you will learn how to design building interiors for thermal and visual comfort. The importance of health, safety and general well-being of the occupants are taken into consideration through the various parameters, standards and compliance approaches. This includes the design of the space, furniture, acoustics, aesthetics and connectivity between the indoor and outdoor areas. Although largely addressed towards undergraduate students, all others who want to learn about sustainable and green building concepts and who are planning to go ahead in the field of green building design and implementation, will greatly benefit from this energy efficient building course. Why wait, start this course today! You’ll explore the complete GI toolkit, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, permeable pavements, urban trees, and infiltration systems, and learn how they function as green stormwater infrastructure. Step by step, you’ll cover decision-making across municipalities, the roles of planners, engineers, utilities, and consultants, plus the design principles that keep projects credible. Expect a clear view of performance goals, site constraints, and data that support better choices, such as rainfall intensity, soils, topography, and drainage networks. You’ll also tackle maintenance planning and community buy-in early. Because even the best design can fail at the approval stage, you’ll dig into policy frameworks, governance, and legislation that support GI, including regulatory tools tied to low-impact development and regional planning. You’ll examine real-world outcomes, from improved water quality and reduced flood risk to cooler neighborhoods and stronger public spaces, while also learning what can go wrong and how to prevent it. By the end, you’ll be ready to evaluate proposals, shape standards, and build scalable GI programs for sustainable, resilient cities. Enroll now and turn runoff problems into greener urban wins.
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Advanced Diploma in Wastewater Treatment and Recycling
This comprehensive online diploma, delivered through instructor-led, video-based modules, offers a deep and practical exploration of the principles, theories, and technologies essential for modern wastewater treatment and recycling. It is designed to equip students, professionals, and policymakers with the knowledge to manage water resources sustainably. The course begins with an Introduction to Wastewater, setting the stage for technical study. You will then master the fundamentals of quantification in Wastewater Generation and Characteristics, learning methods for sewage flow estimation and accounting for factors like population forecasting. This ensures all subsequent treatment planning is based on accurate, manageable inputs. We then address the quality of the water. Quality Parameters introduces the key physical, chemical, and biological metrics used to define wastewater standards. You will study the impact of discharge in rivers, mechanisms of natural purification, and the crucial concept of oxygen variations using principles of mass balance to track pollutant movement. Next, you'll cover the initial phases in Preliminary and Primary Treatments, focusing on units like screens, grit removal, and primary sedimentation, with emphasis on sedimentation basin design. This sets the stage for the core biological methods explored in Secondary Treatments. We then delve into the highly efficient Anaerobic Process, which covers anaerobic degradation, the use of reactors like UASB, and the potential for bio-gas production. A dedicated module on Sludge Management addresses the challenging issue of solids handling, detailing sludge features, treatment methods, and techniques for stabilization and conditioning, which is a major logistical and financial aspect of plant operation. The course advances to specialized processes with Tertiary (Advanced) Treatment Processes for meeting stringent standards. The final modules transition to strategic implementation. Wastewater Recycling covers the principles of reuse and recycling, explores various opportunities, outlines regulatory guidelines, and compares centralized and decentralized recycling systems. Finally, Technology Selection and Decision Making synthesizes the course, teaching you to evaluate systems based on risks, challenges, and research trends, while factoring in non-technical elements like public acceptance using global practices and case studies.
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Waste Policy and Sustainable Waste Management
Industrial waste is piling up at an alarming rate, and the consequences are hard to ignore. Pollution, unsafe disposal practices, toxic exposure, and damaged ecosystems are now major global concerns. So how can industries reduce waste, protect public health, and comply with environmental laws? This course answers those questions by giving you a clear, practical introduction to solid waste management and hazardous waste management, helping you understand the risks, the solutions, and the policies shaping this critical field. You’ll explore the different types of waste, how they affect the environment, and why poor waste handling creates serious public safety issues. The course walks through effective waste management strategies, including waste reduction, cleaner production, recycling, reuse, composting, anaerobic digestion, and mechanical biological treatment. You will also examine popular disposal methods such as incineration and landfill disposal, weighing their benefits and limitations in real-world environmental management. The course also explains the regulations that govern waste treatment at both national and international levels. You’ll study the United States framework for hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste, then move into global agreements such as the Basel and Waigani Conventions. By the end, you will understand how proper waste disposal, sustainable waste management, and environmental compliance can improve quality of life, reduce pollution, and support a healthier future. This is a valuable course for anyone ready to build practical environmental management skills that matter.
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Environmental Education: Water Pollution
Water is a vital resource in short supply and unevenly distributed on our planet. Less than one percent of all the water on Earth is clean and easily accessible freshwater and about two billion people drink contaminated water. Discover the natural and human water cycles, where humans intercept, use and dispose of water at different stages of the natural process. Following this, we define ‘pollution’ and explore its various types and sources. Water pollution comes mainly from the following sectors of society: agriculture, industry, energy production and domestic use. Households are the primary source of sewage and also dispose of a variety of toxic substances. Plastics are another source of water pollution, from clothing micro-fibres to plastic rubbish to large fishing nets, which are either eaten by mistake or entangled with aquatic life. Explore water usage in various sectors and the water used for a single product, such as a cotton t-shirt. Did you know that agriculture uses 70% of the world’s freshwater? Additionally, to manufacture a t-shirt, you would need a whopping 2700 litres of water. We also look at individual water-use and make a rough comparison between countries. We will learn about a ‘water footprint’ that includes the water used to make the products we buy and services we use, in addition to our direct use for washing. The section finishes with the prediction of increased water scarcity by 2050, due primarily to increasing demand, unless we take significant measures to use water more efficiently and reduce our contribution to water pollution. Finally, we look at ways to conserve water and improve water quality. Individuals, businesses, NGOs and governments will need to drive the efforts required. Agriculture will need to adopt more conservative and targeted irrigation strategies, transition as much as possible to biological pest control methods and targeted use of natural fertilisers and better contain and reuse animal waste. Examples exist in the industry of closed-loop systems, where waste is treated and reused without discharging into the ground and waterways. There are also natural, compostable materials that you can use widely and safely. Our energy system is undergoing a welcome transition towards greater use of cleaner, renewable energy sources and this will need to be encouraged and accelerated. Households, or consumers, will need to be more aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and be encouraged to make environmentally friendly choices. As far as plastics are concerned, less use and more compostable and safe, reusable alternatives are required.
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