Renewable Energy Foundations for Business

The need for climate action is urgent and a global transition to renewable energy is essential to mitigate the destructive impact of greenhouse gas emissions from the continued dependence on fossil fuels. 

Renewable energy technologies are now rapidly accelerating in many parts of the world, with investment moving away from fossil fuels towards increasingly mainstream renewable alternatives.

This self-paced online course helps you and your business navigate the transition to renewable energy. You will gain foundational knowledge rooted in systems thinking, which draws on facts, evidence and case studies from around the world.

You will also gain the skills to reflect on how individuals and businesses can demonstrate leadership in the energy transition, giving you confidence to actively contribute to change in your sphere of influence.

Who the course is for?

The course is designed to provide a critical introductory understanding of the energy transition, supporting professional development, decision-making and collaboration.

• It is relevant for a wide range of sectors but particularly so for energy intensive sectors including energy and utilities, oil and gas, engineering and manufacturing, mining and construction.
• It is primarily for individuals with up to ten years of work experience, growing their foundational knowledge, skills and confidence to actively drive change in their sphere of influence.
• For individuals with more experience, it will also benefit their role and organisation, providing continued learning and the skills to be able to communicate effectively to support the transition.

Course Format: 100% online, self-paced

Access: Flexible, 12-month licence, so you can re-visit the learning whenever you need it.

Price: £139 + VAT if applicable (discounts available for bulk purchases)

Learning time: 6-8 hours, start and progress at your convenience within 12-month period.

Assessment: In-learning quizzes, activities and submission of final assignment.

Award: Digital badge from University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

Course content

This course supports professional and personal development, equipping you with an introductory understanding of essential themes of the energy transition, across 5 core modules:

1. The energy and utilities system today
2. The need for a transition to renewable energy
3. What the energy transition looks like
4. The barriers and opportunities in the energy transition
5. How to drive change in your business

Meet your subject matter expert

Dr Jan Rosenow, course lead for Renewable Energy Foundations for Business is a global energy and climate leader, analyst and expert. He wears many hats which include running a clean energy think-tank in Europe called the Regulatory Assistance Project; conducting research for Oxford University; and communicating and influencing in the energy and climate space. He has worked for over 20 years in energy, advising the energy sector, European Commission and governments all over the world.

What will I learn from the course?

Progressing through 5 modules delivered by renewable energy experts, this course enables you to:

• Understand the evolution and current state of the energy and utilities system, and the risks of continued fossil fuel dependence.
• Understand the drivers of the transition to renewable energy and the energy and utility sectors’ place in the context of global targets against emissions.
• Articulate pathways to a high renewable energy world and the major technologies driving the transition.
• Analyse the barriers and enablers affecting the speed of transition for both small and big business and explain the critical role of government.
• Bring together the skills, knowledge and capabilities gained to create a personal action plan to effectively contribute towards the transition to renewable energy.

Learning experience

You can complete the 6-8 hours of learning that make up the course in your own time, progressing through modules which contain videos, case studies, notes, exercises, quizzes and self-assessments. Benefits of the self-paced online course include:  

1. Access to course content for the full 12-months, allowing you to revisit the learning even once your course is complete – whenever you need it. 
2. Flexible learning throughout the year, with recommended reading and optional content available to supplement your learning.  
3. Development of a Foundational Action Plan to determine the steps needed to contribute to change in your role and organisation. 
4. Award of a digital badge from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, upon successful completion of the course.

CPD certified

Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and University of Cambridge Online accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.