Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training

5-Day Essentials Programme — Ecological Theory, Spatial Planning, EIA/SEA, and Policy for Sustainable Development

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Platform:

Online

In-class

Revised and Updated: 02 October 2026

Date	Venue	Duration
09 - 11 November 2026	Sandton, Gauteng	3 Days

Course Introduction

This Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training course will elevate your understanding of ecological theory, concepts, and practice, enhancing your ability to influence and progress policy and planning solutions for your organisation. It caters to those looking to address global sustainability concerns through government, corporate, and regulatory frameworks.

This 5-Day Essentials Programme covers the full scope of our Environmental Sustainability, Planning, and Policy Training at a condensed pace, pairing related topics on each day so delegates still move through ecological theory, spatial planning, policy and impact assessment, ecosystem services, and climate and leadership content, with practical exercises and case studies throughout. For delegates who want each topic given its own dedicated day and more time for discussion and application, our 10-Day Comprehensive Programme covers the same syllabus in full depth.

Course Objectives

By attending this Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training course, delegates will be able to:

Grasp the essential concepts and themes in sustainable planning, and understand the evolution of sustainability thinking
Propose eco-friendly site designs and evaluate the pros and cons of product or system redesigns
Perform basic manipulations and computations with spatial data, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with confidence
Identify and apply planning tools that address sustainability issues
Quantitatively evaluate environmental claims associated with products, projects, or policies
Analyse global sustainability concerns critically, and gain insight into complex human-environment interactions
Review planning approaches with an environmental focus, including collaborative and participatory planning
Understand Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as tools for improving sustainability outcomes
Forecast the likely trajectory of renewable energy and environmental conservation, and factor this into planning decisions
Heighten risk awareness and strengthen risk identification and analysis skills, including managing scope creep and quality failures in sustainability-related projects
Recognise personal and organisational knowledge gaps in sustainable planning, and know where to seek specialist input
Enhance critical thinking, discussion, and writing skills for engaging with sustainability policy and planning debates

Who should attend?

This Environmental Sustainability, Planning, and Policy Training is suitable for:

Urban, Town, and Regional Planners
Environmental Practitioners and EIA/SEA Consultants
Government and Regulatory Officials involved in environmental governance
Corporate Sustainability, ESG, and EHS Managers and Staff
Project Managers working on projects with environmental or planning implications
Individuals with a recognised academic qualification or professional certification in planning
Professionals with relevant experience seeking to deepen their understanding of sustainability
Individuals keen to engage more confidently with contemporary sustainability issues
Delegates who want full coverage of the syllabus in a shorter, more intensive format (see also our 10-Day Comprehensive Programme)

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Day 1

Module 1 — Sustainability Course Foundations

Understanding the concept and evolution of sustainability
Principles of ecological planning
The science underpinning sustainability
Introduction to the global sustainability agenda and its relevance to government, corporate, and regulatory frameworks
Overview of the South African environmental legal framework, including NEMA and sector-specific environmental legislation
Practical Exercise: Mapping the sustainability drivers relevant to a delegate-selected sector or organisation

Module 2 — Ecology and Biodiversity

Examining the intersection of environment and humanity
Time's impact on the environment: historical and projected environmental change
Global environmental challenges
Regional ecosystems and populations
Practical Exercise: Identifying ecological pressures within a specific regional ecosystem

Day 2

Module 3 — Human Civilisation and Environment

Exploring environmental contexts across different forms of human settlement and development
Ecosystem management principles
Conservation strategies and their practical application
Case Study: An ecosystem management or conservation programme and its outcomes

Module 4 — Spatial Environmental Planning

Land use planning fundamentals
Urban planning for environmental objectives
Housing and development with sustainability in mind
Future planning considerations and long-term scenario thinking
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as tools for improving sustainability outcomes
Practical Exercise: Critiquing a land use plan against sustainability objectives, and reviewing the findings of a real-world EIA or SEA process

Day 3

Module 5 — Urban Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices

Promoting biodiversity in urban settings
Principles and practices of sustainable living
Creating liveable cities
Approaches to waste management and recycling
Group Exercise: Proposing an urban biodiversity intervention for a delegate-selected precinct

Module 6 — Ecosystem Services and Economic Factors

Valuing ecosystem services and incorporating them into planning and economic decisions
Leadership roles and responsibilities in environmental sectors
Addressing climate change within an economic planning context
Strategies for water resource planning
Practical Exercise: A basic ecosystem services valuation for a project or site

Day 4

Module 7 — Advanced Environmental Planning Science

Environmental data analysis techniques
Practical applications in environmental management and sustainability
Interpreting environmental monitoring and planning datasets
Practical Exercise: Interpreting a sample environmental planning dataset

Module 8 — Communication of Ecological Concepts

Conservation of natural habitats
Interrelationships between nature, environment, and society
Utilising Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial communication
Communicating ecological concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences and decision-makers
Practical Exercise: Basic spatial data manipulation and mapping using GIS

Day 5

Module 9 — Engaging in Sustainability Transformation

Conducting and interpreting third-party environmental investigations and audits
Addressing global environmental issues within an organisational and governance context
Ethical considerations in sustainability professions
Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
Case Study: A sustainability transformation initiative and the ethical and governance questions it raised

Module 10 — Leading Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental governance and democratic/public participation processes
Biological conservation methods
Advanced geospatial analytics for sustainability planning
Marine and coastal policy development and management
Group Exercise: Drafting a sustainability action plan and leadership roadmap for a delegate-selected organisation or project

Course Categories

Office Administration Courses ❯ Audit, Risk And Governance ❯ Compliance Courses ❯ Finance Courses ❯ Human Resources Training & Development ❯ View All Course Categories ❯

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FAQs – Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training

Explore environmental sustainability planning and policy, covering environmental management, sustainability strategies, policy development, compliance, planning, and responsible resource use.

What is covered in the Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training?

The course covers sustainability principles, ecological planning, biodiversity, human-environment interactions, spatial environmental planning, sustainable urban development, ecosystem services, environmental data analysis, climate change, governance, and sustainability initiatives.

Who should attend the Environmental Sustainability Training?

The training is suitable for individuals interested in contemporary sustainability issues, professionals with planning qualifications or certifications, and those with relevant experience who want to deepen their understanding of environmental sustainability.

Does the course cover ecological planning and biodiversity?

Yes. Participants explore ecological planning principles, regional ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation strategies, ecosystem management, urban biodiversity, and the relationship between environmental systems and human development.

Does the training cover environmental and spatial planning?

Yes. The programme addresses land-use planning, urban planning for environmental objectives, sustainable housing and development, spatial environmental planning, environmental data analysis, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Does the course cover climate change and sustainability challenges?

Yes. The training examines global environmental challenges, climate change, water resource planning, climate adaptation and mitigation, conservation, waste management, recycling, and sustainability transformation.

Does the Environmental Sustainability Training include practical activities?

Yes. The training uses lectures, course materials, group work, case studies, workshops, role-play, practical application, and post-training support to help participants apply sustainability and environmental planning concepts.

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Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training

5-Day Essentials Programme — Ecological Theory, Spatial Planning, EIA/SEA, and Policy for Sustainable Development

Course Objectives

Who should attend?

Course Outline

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Course Introduction

Course Objectives

Who should attend?

Training Methodology

Training Outline

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Course Registration Guide

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FAQs – Environmental Sustainability, Planning and Policy Training

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