Environmental Metrics for Sustainability Reporting- Spring 2024

The UBC Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE) program is offering a non-credit micro-certificate titled "Environmental Metrics for Sustainability Reporting." This micro-certificate is meticulously designed to address the pressing need for skilled professionals who can proficiently design and establish environmental metrics to evaluate the impact of an organization's operations impact and sustainability strategies.

What is the MFRE Micro-Certificate About?

In a world increasingly challenged by climate change and its effects on water, energy, and resources; organizations are compelled to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. However, the establishment of metrics to quantify the environmental consequences of these practices often proves challenging, and individuals with the requisite expertise are in short supply. The micro-certificate's core focus is on equipping individuals with the competencies necessary to identify, manage and strategize their organization’s environmental metrics.

Who is the MFRE Micro-Certificate For?

§  Individuals who are working full or part time: Early to mid-career professionals with a university degree and industry knowledge, or new university graduates. Qualified program applicants will have basic data analysis skills and a strong working interest in the green collar and climate change professional sector.

§  Organizations: In particular, those which have adopted sustainability management practices to meet emerging regulations and/or to address the climate crisis based on their own initiative. The proposed micro-certificate program will provide organizations with the opportunity to develop in-house expertise by sponsoring their employees’ enrollment or allowing their organization’s professional development funds to be used to cover the cost of the program.

How will the MFRE Micro-Certificate Be Offered?

This micro-certificate is a comprehensive online post-degree program consisting of three asynchronous courses offered in Term 1 and Term 2 of the academic year. Each course, spanning three weeks, focuses on practical application through video lectures, case studies, and live sessions facilitated by industry experts. The course content is thoughtfully structured:

Course 1: Explores the "How, Why, and What" of sustainability data management, reporting, and environmental decision-making.

Course 2: Offers hands-on training in collecting and managing data related to greenhouse gas emissions and food waste.

Course 3: Centers on integrating environmental assessment and sustainability reporting into an organization's overall business strategy.