University becomes ISEP accredited training centre
University College Birmingham has achieved accreditation as an Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) Training Centre.
ISEP is a global professional body for those working in the areas of environment and sustainability, its membership comprises business, government and academic institutions.
Achieving this accreditation reflects the growing importance of ensuring sustainability in the education sector for staff, students and partners.
For University College Birmingham, it additionally underlines a commitment to decarbonise campuses, reform procurement and restore nature.
The accreditation also empowers the University to rethink the curricula, giving students the most relevant content for a future in a workplace, grounded in principles of sustainability.
It is a recognition that facilitates the delivery of in-house, industry-standard training in sustainability, not just for students, but ultimately for the wider community, alongside continuing professional development for members of staff, including courses on Net Zero and Sustainability Skills for the Workforce, amongst others.
Membership gives the University greater autonomy over course selection, as it can self-certify its sustainability specific courses and modules, giving students the opportunity to take industry-accredited degree level modules, as they prepare for future-proofed careers in industry.
The provision will also present staff with the chance to upskill through online and in-person education, leading to their becoming ISEP trainers, qualified in the delivery of sustainable course content.
The initiative to embed this ethos into the practices led by Ashlea Mallett, head of sustainability and campus services, Avantika Bhargava, sustainability and campus services co-ordinator, Maddie Booth, specialist sustainability education consultant, and Michelle Callanan, chair of the sustainability steering board - Curriculum Working Group.
Ashlea said: “This certification is incredibly important as it embeds high quality sustainability knowledge and skills into our staff development, as well as adding additional opportunities for advancement for students during their time at University College Birmingham.
“This will help to prepare students to enter employment with the requisite skills for an ever-evolving work environment and further contributes to our already strong industrial relationships.”
Email the team for more information about sustainability at the University College Birmingham.
