Key course information
- Course learning format: IN-PERSON COURSE
- More course dates: See below or click 'Register'
- Pricing: click 'Register' to preview
- Course duration: Two Days
- Location: Shropshire, UK
- Interactive learning face-to-face with expert tutors
- Electronic course notes
- Gain CPD Credits: Smithers training is IOM3 Quality Assured and counts towards professional development.
To book, click Register and choose a session.
Looking for an alternative format?
Upcoming in-person course dates
| Select a session when registering | |
|---|---|
| 22 - 23 July 2026 | |
| 28 - 29 October 2026 | |
Course overview
Sustainability can be complex - but understanding it doesn’t have to be. This expertly curated online course provides a clear, practical foundation in sustainability principles, helping you navigate environmental and social considerations with confidence.
Combining theory with real-world examples, case studies, and current data, the course explores how sustainability applies across multiple industries - highlighting key challenges, emerging opportunities, and innovative practices.
By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of sustainable thinking and its application to product design, materials selection, and business decisions. It’s the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to make informed, responsible choices about products, processes, or services and their environmental impact.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:- Grasp the core principles of sustainability and ESG, and understand how they shape responsible business and product decisions.
- Apply sustainable practices across industries, including manufacturing, plastics, healthcare, energy, food, and transportation.
- Evaluate and improve environmental performance, from emissions reduction and circular design to recycling and resource efficiency.
- Identify innovative solutions such as renewable energy, clean transport, and sustainable materials that drive change.
- Anticipate future trends and opportunities to build resilience and lead sustainable transformation.
Course content
This course explores sustainability in action across major sectors, linking essential theory with practical examples and industry case studies.Introduction to Sustainability
- Core sustainability principles and ESG frameworks
- Global challenges: climate change, resource use, and social equity
- Key standards and initiatives: UN SDGs, circular economy, carbon neutrality
- Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimisation
- Renewable energy adoption and sustainable supply chains
- Case studies highlighting green manufacturing benefits
- The challenges of plastic production, use, and waste
- Circular economy approaches: design, recycling, bioplastics
- Global initiatives and legislation (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, WRAP, PACT)
- Case studies on sustainable materials and packaging innovations
- Advances in renewable energy: solar, wind, hydrogen
- Sustainable extraction and chemical production
- Emission reduction, carbon capture, and energy-efficient systems
- Transition to electric and hydrogen vehicles
- Sustainable logistics and low-carbon supply chains
- Urban mobility innovation and emission mitigation strategies
- Sustainable sourcing and regenerative agriculture
- Reducing food waste and water consumption
- Plant-based alternatives and eco-friendly packaging
- Environmental impacts of healthcare operations
- Sustainable pharmaceuticals, materials, and waste management
- Case studies on carbon-neutral and eco-friendly healthcare facilities
- Emerging technologies: AI, digital traceability, and green innovation
- Policy reform, public-private partnerships, and global collaboration
- Preparing for a more sustainable future
Who should attend
This course is designed for professionals, researchers, and decision-makers seeking a practical understanding of sustainability and its real-world applications.
- Industry professionals - including those in manufacturing, energy, transportation, food, and healthcare - who want to implement sustainable solutions within their operations, quality, regulatory, or business strategies.
- Engineers, scientists, and researchers developing sustainable materials, renewable energy systems, and innovative technologies, as well as academics exploring sustainability challenges and breakthroughs.
- Policymakers and regulators responsible for shaping or applying sustainability policy in industry, urban planning, and transport.
- Educators and advocates - teachers, trainers, NGOs, and community leaders - promoting awareness and driving environmental and social progress.
- Anyone seeking informed, responsible choices, aiming to understand how sustainability influences daily life, business, and the future.
Meet your expert tutor
Dr Mohammed Alkattan – Consultant
With over 16 years’ experience in polymer science and biomaterials, Mohammed specialises in developing and commercialising advanced materials for medical and food-contact applications. A product development leader and consultant, he bridges the gap between R&D innovation and market-ready solutions, with expertise spanning hydrogels, biodegradable polymers and regulatory compliance.
Contact us or download a brochure
Reach out to the training team now - ask about this course or discuss your training goals.
Prefer training tailored to your business?
Smithers also delivers custom and in-company training designed around your products, materials and processes. Get practical, targeted content delivered online or on-site by the same experts who run our public courses.