Program Overview

Programme Overview

This programme is designed to equip SME owners, managers, and employees with the knowledge and skills to implement Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and carbon accounting practices. It provides a practical foundation in sustainability reporting, regulatory compliance, and strategies for measuring and reducing carbon emissions, helping SMEs enhance their resilience and competitiveness in a changing business environment.

Modules

Module 1

• ESGs for SMEs
  • Explain the fundamental principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and their relevance to SMEs.
  • Help learners identify and interpret key ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to SMEs (e.g., CSRD, GRI, SASB, TCFD).
  • Equip learners to evaluate the business risks and opportunities associated with ESG adoption, including financial, reputational and operational impacts.
  • Assist SMEs to assess current ESG performance and develop strategies for embedding sustainable practices into business operations; and prepare a basic ESG report that outlines sustainability commitments, key performance indicators, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Module 2

• Carbon Accounting for SMEs
  • Equip students with the knowledge to define and apply key concepts in carbon accounting, including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions.
  • Learn to measure an SME’s carbon footprint using established methodologies (e.g. GHG Protocol, ISO 14064) and data collection techniques.
  • Analyse carbon emissions data to identify emission hotspots and recommend cost-effective emission reduction strategies.
  • Evaluate the role of carbon offsetting and renewable energy initiatives in achieving carbon neutrality for SMEs.
  • Develop a practical carbon management plan, including emissions reduction targets, monitoring tools, and reporting mechanisms.

Further Information

Application Queries

• Flexible Learning Office

Academic Queries

• Seamus Hoyne

What are the academic entry requirements?

• Minimum requirements will normally be a pass in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics or an equivalent qualification.
• Applicants who do not meet these requirements but who are aged 23 and over will be considered for entry on the basis of a written assessment and, if appropriate, also an interview.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment

• Please review the entry requirements for this programme.
• If you do not hold these qualifications but would like your application to be assessed under RPL please select YES on the online application form.

English Language Requirements

• Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements.
• For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required.
• For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

Application Process

• Applications for this programme must be made online via the Springboard Application Management System.
• Once the programme is open for applications, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button located at the top and bottom of this webpage, which will take you directly to the application system.
• Please note that if you do not already have a Springboard Profile, you must create an account before you can apply for any Springboard programme.

Delivery

• Student Induction will take place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd September 2025.
• Classes will commence on week commencing 8th September 2025.
• The programme will be delivered over 1 semester and will be fully online.
• Classes will run on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.
• Live online classes will be recorded and available to watch back.
• Proposed Delivery Schedule is Subject to Change.

What will the time commitment be?

• Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours.
• Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college.
• The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study.
• You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

Qualification

• Certificate in Science in ESG and Carbon Footprinting for SME (Special Purpose Award, Level 6, 10 ECTS)

Fees

• €950
• This programme is Springboard + funded in 2025.
• Successful applicants will qualify for 50% Springboard+ funding & will be liable for the remaining 50% of the fee which is €475

Application Deadline

• Limited Places
• Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, prioritizing unemployed and returning applicants.
• The programme will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached.
• Final cut off for applications, if spaces are still available, will be Friday 18th July 2025.
• Programmes run subject to viable numbers.