ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management (AISEP)

This course is best suited to people who are new to environmental management or already supporting sustainability work. It is especially useful for learners needing a practical introduction to environmental impacts, data, risk, and improvement activity. It also suits organisations wanting to build broader sustainability capability across their teams.

Organisations increasingly need people who understand sustainability, environmental responsibilities, and how environmental management systems operate in practice. While this course is not specifically prescribed as a mandatory requirement in New Zealand, it is commonly used to build capability around sustainability management, environmental risk, ISO 14001-aligned systems, and organisational environmental performance.

Learners need written and spoken English equivalent to NCEA Level 2 (Year 12) or an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher. If a learner may need additional support, please contact our team before enrolment to discuss available support options.

ISEP (the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals) is a globally recognised professional body for environmental and sustainability professionals. ISEP develops internationally recognised qualifications and professional standards that help individuals and organisations improve environmental performance and sustainability practices.

The ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management is awarded by ISEP and is recognised internationally across a wide range of industries.

Learners who successfully complete the course receive the ISEP Foundation Certificate, which supports a pathway to Associate Membership of ISEP (AISEP). The course focuses on sustainability and environmental management principles aligned with an internationally recognised professional body.

The course introduces the principles of sustainability and environmental management before progressing into environmental legislation, pollution control, environmental tools and assessment techniques, environmental management systems, auditing, data reporting, and sustainability improvement. Learners build a practical understanding of how organisations manage environmental impacts and improve sustainability performance.

This course runs over 5 days, allowing learners to build a practical foundation in sustainability and environmental management, including environmental impacts, compliance responsibilities, and sustainable workplace practices.

No additional off-course project work is required. However, learners are encouraged to review the course material between sessions to support understanding and exam preparation.

Yes, this course includes a one-hour, open-book, online multiple-choice exam to confirm learners understand and can apply the core sustainability and environmental management concepts covered during the programme.

Learners either achieve a pass or fail.

No, this course does not include NZQA unit standards. Learners who successfully complete the course receive the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management.

Yes, this course is available for both public and in-house delivery. Public courses may run subject to demand, while in-house training can help organisations build a more consistent understanding of sustainability responsibilities, environmental management systems, and workplace environmental practices across teams.

Delivery is live online via Microsoft Teams. Learners will need access to a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection, a webcam, speakers, and a microphone. Cameras should remain on during training to support participation and engagement, while microphones should remain muted unless contributing to discussions or activities. The trainer will explain how questions and interactions will be managed throughout the course.

Learners will need access to a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection, a webcam, speakers, and a microphone. Photo identification should be available for verification purposes. To give themselves the best opportunity to succeed, learners should complete the exam in a quiet, well-lit environment free from interruptions.

The tutor registers learners for the exam. Learners then receive exam login details and instructions by email before the exam window opens. The exam window runs for six weeks, and alternative arrangements can be made if a learner is unable to sit the exam during their allocated period.

Learners receive their result immediately after completing the exam.

Yes. Learners who do not pass the exam can re-sit it without re-attending the course. Reviewing the course material before attempting the re-sit is recommended.

Learners who need to arrange a re-sit can organise this by contacting HSSAdmin@makeuk.org.

Learners who successfully complete the course assessments will be awarded the ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management. Certificates are issued digitally following confirmation of results.

Pricing depends on the delivery method.

Public (face-to-face): $2975 + GST per person.

In-house: pricing is available on application.