Understanding Sustainability and Net Zero in Business - Level 2 Award

Essentials

Duration: 3 Days Part-time
Start date: 5th March 2026
Day: Thursday
Time: 9.30 - 15.15

Course fee: FREE

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.

Course Content

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

Course Aims

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

Special Features

• Three sessions (Thursdays) at Ballymena Campus
• Additional support sessions available for portfolio completion
• Guidance from experienced NRC tutors specialising in sustainability and Net Zero

Assessment Methods

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.

 

Course Update

This course is fully funded by the Department for the Economy, under the Skill Up Programme. This course is a part of a suite of free online accredited courses that the College is offering to upskill, retrain and gain a qualification with no costs associated.

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 must meet the Skill Up funding eligibility and the course entry requirements
• You will be required to have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills to enable them to successfully complete the qualification.

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