Institute of Sustainability Studies: Bridging the Green Skills Gap

What is the Institute of Sustainability Studies?

The Institute of Sustainability Studies (ISS) is a dynamic hub dedicated to closing the green skills gap through practical, flexible training solutions tailored for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you’re part of an organisation looking to embed sustainability or an individual eager to gain industry-recognised skills, ISS offers a range of accredited courses, insightful resources, and expert-led events designed to make sustainability accessible and impactful.

Main Benefits of the Diploma in Business Sustainability

The Diploma in Business Sustainability stands out as a comprehensive, university-accredited program that equips learners with essential sustainability skills—no prior experience needed. Here’s a quick snapshot:

• Duration: 12 weeks of flexible online learning
• Certification: Accredited Diploma, CPD-certified and university credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University
• Access: 12 months of course materials and updates
• Format: Self-paced learning with a cohort size of 30
• Price: Currently $3,400 when paid upfront (originally $3,800)
• Start Date: Next intake on 29th October

Flexible Learning Designed for Real-World Impact

ISS understands that life is busy, so their platform combines real-world insights with the flexibility to learn whenever and however it suits you. The course offers ready-to-use tools like templates, checklists, and frameworks that support long-term sustainability strategies. Plus, learners connect with a global network through live events and community channels, making peer learning a key part of the experience.

Comprehensive Support Throughout Your Journey

Support isn’t just a buzzword here. The ISS team is on hand to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the learning process. This ongoing support ensures that participants don’t just complete the course—they truly absorb and apply the knowledge to drive meaningful change within their organisations or personal careers.

Insights and Resources Beyond the Classroom

ISS offers a wealth of additional resources to deepen understanding and keep learners up to date. From sustainability lexicons that demystify complex terms, to actionable guides, news analysis, graduate stories, and business spotlights, there’s always fresh content to explore. Their e-books, case studies, and whitepapers provide credible insights to help shape effective sustainability strategies.

Project Impact: Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Providing accessible, accredited sustainability education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Equipping professionals with skills to drive sustainable business practices
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable business strategies
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Empowering organisations to embed climate-conscious practices
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with businesses and educational institutions to amplify impact

Why Choose the Institute of Sustainability Studies?

ISS isn’t just another training provider. It’s the only place offering a university credit-rated sustainability Diploma developed by experts with hands-on experience. Backed by businesses driving organisation-wide change, their courses are built for impact—packed with insights you can apply instantly. No jargon, no fluff—just practical, accredited training designed to help organisations achieve compliance, embed sustainability, and create lasting business impact.

What Institute of Sustainability Studies actually does

Institute of Sustainability Studies (ISS) is an Ireland-based training provider delivering accredited, practical sustainability education, rather than general consulting. Its programmes, including a Diploma in Business Sustainability, certificate courses, masterclasses, and team training, are built to give working professionals and organisations real-world tools for reducing risk and unlocking long-term value from sustainability practice. In 2026, ISS became part of Future Planet.

“I couldn’t recommend this course highly enough, an information-dense trip from the drive to net zero to the fundamentals of circular economy.”

Sheena Crean, Banking Professional

Where ISS training shows up

• Corporate teams: team training solutions and apprenticeships built around a company’s own sustainability transition.
• Individual professionals: a Diploma in Business Sustainability plus certificate courses and masterclasses for career-level accreditation.
• Enterprise clients: named organisations including Amazon, HubSpot, KPMG, Bank of Ireland, Mercury, Kerry, and Encirc have enrolled learners through ISS programmes.

Proof, not just claims

Encirc’s CEO Brian Reed said the training “allowed us as a company to prioritise the topics that matter most” and align with the UN SDGs, while Operations Manager Kate Lynch noted the course “provided greater understanding” of business transformation challenges.

Trusted by

Why this belongs on a sustainability directory

ISS advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by delivering accredited sustainability training that builds real professional capability rather than awareness content alone, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by equipping enrolled organisations, including Amazon, KPMG, and Encirc, with the skills to actually implement sustainable procurement and production practices inside their own operations.