Overview
Demand for sustainability expertise has grown under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and related regulatory changes.
This pathway is structured to let professionals build that expertise progressively, rather than requiring commitment to a full qualification before completing a single module.
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Principles and Practices (GCert in Sust PP) is a collaboration between SIT and IES Academy. It is designed for professionals currently in, or moving into, roles that involve leading sustainability initiatives or integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into an organisation's strategy, operations and culture.
The programme consists of 6 modules, each worth 3 credits (18 credits total). Modules can be taken individually or stacked toward the Graduate Certificate. This module-first structure is built to let learners close an immediate skills gap without pre-committing to the full certificate.
The GCert in Sust PP supports the Chartered Engineer (SG) in Sustainability Sector Certification Programme by IES.
Programme Partner: IES Academy (IESA)
Who This Is For
This programme is designed for professionals already in, or moving into, roles that shape how organisations manage sustainability:
- Sustainability officers and managers building the technical grounding to lead ESG integration
- Policy and compliance professionals who need to interpret and apply sustainability legislation
- Business owners and general managers embedding sustainability into strategy and operations
- Anyone assigned sustainability responsibility without a formal background in it
Programme Structure
Each module is a complete, credit-bearing qualification on its own. Completing all 6 stacks toward the Graduate Certificate, which in turn stacks toward SIT's future Master of Science programmes.
3 credits · twice yearly
Individual Module
Certificate of Attainment on 75% attendance and a passing assessment grade.
↓ ×6 modules
18 credits total
Graduate Certificate
Sustainability Principles and Practices, awarded by SIT with IES Academy.
↓ stacks toward
Future pathway
SIT Master of Science
Graduate Certificate credit is designed to stack toward eligible future MSc programmes.
Flexible entry — take a single module or work straight toward the Graduate Certificate.
Any order, any pace — the 6 modules can be completed in any sequence, across as many intakes as needed.
Twice-yearly intakes — every module runs twice a year, so the next intake is never more than 6 months away.
Per-module recognition — a Certificate of Attainment is issued for each module passed.
Built to extend further — the Graduate Certificate is designed to stack toward SIT's future Master of Science programmes.
Entry Requirements
For learners who are not pursuing Engineering Sustainability Chartership:
- A Bachelor's degree from a recognised university
For learners who are pursuing the Chartered Engineer (SG) in Sustainability Sector Certification Programme (CEng (Sustainability)) by IES:
- Washington Accord Degree or equivalent academic programme recognized by Professional Engineers Board (PEB)
- Minimum 4 years of working experience (in any field) as Engineer
- Learners should review the pre-requisites and register directly with IES Chartered Engineering Board for the CEng (Sustainability) certification. For more information, please visit IES Chartered Engineering Board website.
Modules
Delivered in partnership with IES Academy, each module is mapped to a competency in the IES Chartered Engineer (Sustainability) framework, giving the programme recognised technical grounding even if chartership isn't your goal.
Modules can also be taken individually, in any sequence. Each is a complete, credit-bearing module that is stackable towards a GCert in Sust PP.
| Code | Module | MODULE Mapped to IES CEng (Sustainability) | Twice-yearly RUNS | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDE5401 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Development Core sustainability principles from Singapore and global perspectives, and how to apply them across sectors | CM1: Introduction to Sustainability | Mar & Sep | 3 |
| SDE5402 | Carbon Accounting and Markets Measuring, accounting for and trading carbon, the mechanics behind an organisation's emissions position | CM2: Carbon Accounting | Apr & Oct | 3 |
| SDE5403 | Sustainability Reporting and Practices Building and interpreting sustainability disclosures against current reporting standards | CM3: Sustainability Reporting | 2026 Only: Jan & Sep Jan & Jul | 3 |
| SDE5404 | Sustainability Legislation Frameworks Singapore's regulatory landscape for sustainability, and what it requires of your organisation | CM4: Sustainability Legislation Framework of Singapore | Feb & Aug | 3 |
| SDE5405 | Sustainability Roadmapping Turning sustainability strategy into an implementation roadmap, from case study to organisational plan | EM4: Sustainability Strategy and Roadmap | 2026 Only: Mar & Jul Mar & Sep | 3 |
| SDE5406 | Circular Economy and Design Applying circular economy principles to product, process and business model design | EM3: Circular Economy | May & Nov | 3 |
Certificate and Assessment
A Certificate of Attainment for each module will be issued to candidates who
- Attend at least 75% of each module, and
- Undertake and pass credit-bearing assessment during the module
Participants who meet the attendance requirement but do not pass the assessment will receive a Certificate of Participation.
A Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Principles and Practices will be issued on completion of all 6 modules (18 credits)
- Stackable toward SIT's future MSc programmes
- Mapped to IES CEng (Sustainability) competencies
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I have to sign up for the full Graduate Certificate?
No. Every module can be taken individually. Stacking towards the Graduate Certificate is something you may opt into as you go, not a condition of entry.
-
What are the entry requirements?
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
If you're pursuing IES Chartered Engineer (Sustainability) certification alongside the Graduate Certificate, you'll need a Washington Accord degree (or equivalent recognised by Singapore's Professional Engineers Board) and at least 4 years' working experience as an engineer. You'll also need to register separately with the IES Chartered Engineering Board for the certification itself.
-
How long does the full Graduate Certificate take?
Modules run twice yearly. There's no fixed timeline for completing all 6 — you can take them in any order and at whatever pace suits your schedule.
-
Is funding available?
Course fees and applicable SkillsFuture funding are listed on each module's individual page.
Speak to a Programme Advisor for a breakdown against your eligibility.
-
What happens after I register interest?
A Programme Advisor will follow up to help you choose your first module, or map out the full six-module route if you already know you want the Graduate Certificate.
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