Certificate in Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace

NFQ Level 5

Empower your workplace and community. Gain practical skills to lead sustainable change, reduce environmental impact, and support a greener future through everyday actions and initiatives.

Thank you for your Interest!

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

This course has been developed based on consultation with the EPA, SEAI, Irish Water, IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Regional Skills Fora, there was direct consultation with employers on their needs. You will have have the opportunity to:

Explain how human activities affect the environment, including climate change, pollution, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.
Describe key national and international actions taken to address environmental issues, such as policies, agreements, and sustainability goals.
Identify and assess the environmental impact of everyday actions at work and in personal life, and suggest practical ways to reduce that impact.
Carry out a basic environmental review in a workplace setting to identify opportunities for sustainable improvements.
Support and promote sustainable practices in the workplace, at home, and in the wider community.
Apply knowledge of key sustainability topics, such as energy use, food waste, circular economy, and green living, to real-life situations.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 QQI Special Purpose Minor Award Certificate in Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

Timetable
Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday			✔
Thursday
Friday

Note: This course runs one evening per week on Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, delivered in person.

This course will be delivered in person, one evening per week on Wednesdays, 6pm to 9pm.

Module	Title
5N2179	Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace

Progression / Career

Completing this course gives you foundational knowledge and practical skills in environmental sustainability, enhaving skills in your current role/businsess and/oropening doors to a variety of roles and further study options:

Sustainability Assistant
Environmental Awareness Officer
Facilities or Operations Assistant (with sustainability focus)
Sustainability Officer
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Assistant

This course can also support progression to QQI Level 6 or 7 courses in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or Health & Safety as well as Green Skills micro-credentials. Apprenticeships or traineeships in environmental or energy-related fields. Professional certifications in environmental management systems (e.g. ISO 14001)

Entry Requirements

Students must have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework to succeed in this course. You can show this through formal education or relevant life and work experience.
While you don’t need prior experience, you should have an interest in sustainable practice.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

€120

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie