University of Birmingham fosters future leaders in sustainability sector

The University of Birmingham has been awarded a certificate of Education Partnership by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

This accreditation status is awarded to educational institutions who have a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, specifically in areas of climate, sustainability and environment.

This internationally recognised certificate allows students to access resources and training that will help them in their careers and drive change in the sector.

The Certificate of Education Partnership includes the School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences (GEES) course, the MSc Climate Change and Adaptation Policy, which meets the IEMA’s internationally recognised Graduate standard. This standard requires that the degree programme instils in its students a high level of technical knowledge alongside skills for sustainable leadership.

As a result, enrolled students are entitled to free student membership for the duration of their studies and, on successful completion of their course, they qualify for the GradIEMA. The Graduate membership is a launchpad for future leaders working within environment and sustainability, and allows for a ‘fast track’ to Practitioner Membership (PIEMA), after completing a work-based assessment.

Professor Julia Myatt, Director of Sustainability Education at the University of Birmingham, commented:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the IEMA University Partnership and to see our dedication to academic excellence within the fields of sustainability and environment recognised.

"We are committed to embedding sustainability across all disciplines and academic programmes, as well as to providing opportunities for our students to develop their careers and tackle real-world challenges. We look forward to seeing them become the sustainability leaders of the future.”

Dr Ruth Geen, Lecturer in Atmospheric Sciences and Programme Lead, added:

“We are really excited to have achieved IEMA accreditation for this programme, which recognises the valuable training we offer in sustainability and environmental management, as well as the expertise and academic excellence we have in GEES.

"IEMA accreditation is highly regarded by employers in the sector and gives our students the opportunity to engage with a wide network of IEMA members. It will provide a real boost to our students' careers, and we are already working with this network to offer students additional opportunities to learn directly from practitioners."

The IEMA is a global professional body which provides support, resources, training and qualifications to individuals and organisations working in environment and sustainability. The IEMA offer individual memberships, as well as both corporate and education partnerships.

The University now joins nine other Russell Group institutions in the IEMA Educational Partner register. This accreditation signifies an important step for the University in achieving its sustainability ambitions, as set out in our Strategic Framework 2030, and is one of many ways in which the University is providing opportunities for students to contribute towards a sustainable future.

The University is dedicated to embedding a holistic approach and incorporating sustainability into everything it does, as evidence by its recently announced positions in the QS Sustainability Rankings (38^th) and the People & Planet rankings (68^th).

The University of Birmingham is committed to achieving operational net zero carbon. It is seeking to change society and the environment positively, and use its research and education to make a major global contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Find out at www.birmingham.ac.uk/sustainability.