program details: Cert IV Env Sust Man
Create a future that balances care for the planet, people, and profit.
Delivered fully online for students in Australia and offshore, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable initiatives in workplaces and communities across the globe.
You’ll learn to:
- reduce carbon footprints and improve sustainability outcomes
- manage waste and resources more effectively
- boost energy efficiency and environmental performance
- develop and implement robust environmental management plans
- think critically about issues of sustainability and explore creative solutions
- design, implement and monitor an energy efficiency plan
- monitor and report on sustainability performance.
This program offers 2 tailored study streams:
- Experienced professionals with demonstrated experience in a workplace: eligible applicants can opt for a 12-month part-time stream (or an excelerated 9-month program), applying their learning and assessments directly in their current workplace while building networks with like-minded professionals.
- New entrants: eligible applicants can enroll in a 6-month full-time stream, gaining hands-on skills through a simulated workplace environment and dedicated support to fast-track their sustainability career.
How you'll learn
This program is designed to be sustainable in every way, so you can gain first-class skills without adding to your carbon footprint.
Study online from anywhere in the world, with flexible access to interactive learning modules, resources and support that fit around your schedule.
You’ll develop practical, industry-ready skills while learning at a pace that works for you:
- students in the experienced professionals stream will dedicate 7—9 hours per week to learning and assessment commitments
- students in the new entrants stream will dedicate 25—35 hours per week to learning and assessment commitments.
Assessment
Assessments are practical, relevant and reflective of real-world sustainability and environmental management challenges.
They can be completed online with access to your current workplace or for full-time new entrants through our simulated workplace, where you will undertake simulated practical tasks with help from your Sustainability Educator.
Start dates
- Experienced professionals: quarterly intakes from February 2026 with the option to commence learning immediately.
- New entrants: bi-annual intakes in February and July 2026.
This program is open to domestic and international enrolments, with flexible delivery options and support services available:
- experienced professionals require 2 years of full-time or part-time work experience and current employment/workplace access
- new entrants must have completed year 10 or equivalent, with either a Certificate III level qualification or successful completion of our short Language, Literacy and Numeracy screening assessment to demonstrate foundation skills equivalent to that of a Certificate III level.
All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.
Create your USI
You must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before we can accept your enrolment.
Resources
2025 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 7 MB) (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information).
Full fee: $4,900
To achieve this qualification you must complete 8 units of competency.
| Course | Course code |
|---|---|
| Identify and implement an environmental management system | NAT11130001 |
| Develop a strategy to minimise carbon emissions | NAT11130002 |
| Review and implement sustainability rating tools | NAT11130003 |
| Assess, manage and minimise waste | NAT11130004 |
| Design and implement an energy efficiency plan | NAT11130005 |
| Assist with workplace compliance with WHS laws | BSBWHS412 |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | BSBSUS411 |
| Apply business risk management processes | BSBOPS403 |
Careers
UQ Skills works closely with industry partners, government agencies and sustainability leaders to ensure graduates are job-ready and future-focused.
This qualification opens doors to employment in:
- corporate sustainability teams
- local and state government departments
- environmental NGOs
- green supply chain and procurement roles
- climate adaptation and resilience planning.
The average salary for a Sustainability Officer in Australia is $93,000, while the average salary for an Environmental Manager is $175,000. (seek.com.au, 2025).