Portobello Institute

Level 9 PGC Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace

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Course Details

Delivered by experienced industry experts, this level 9 Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace offers you the opportunity to explore and understand the goals of the sustainability agenda in the workplace. This PGC provides you with up to date sustainability toolkits, techniques and information that will enhance your competencies and ability to design and deliver an innovative plan for sustainability in the workplace.

Level
Postgraduate
Qualification
Level 9 Certificate
Course Delivery Mode Start Date Duration
Course
 L9 PGC Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace 		Delivery Mode
Online with webinars
 Start Date
 7th October 2023 		Duration
 4 months 		Fully Booked

Overview

Sustainability in the workplace is becoming a core business obligation with facilities and workplace managers at the forefront to innovate and deliver practices at an operational, tactical and strategic management level. There is continuous demand, that organisations develop and implement sustainability policy, that is responsive to the agenda of local, national and global development agendas.

Stay abreast of the sustainability agenda

Staying abreast of the changes and trends occurring  to the sustainability agenda is challenging. Facilities and workplace managers need to enhance their professional competencies to deal with sustainability management and operational issues, innovating to develop good practice and leading change within organisations.

Flexible study with extensive learning resources

This Post Graduate Certificate is designed to offer a level 9 qualification for those coming from a broad spectrum of degree programmes, such as facilities management, engineering, science, business, etc. The delivery mode is a flexible study option for those seeking to fit learning around work and family. There is access to extensive learning resources and support materials through our virtual learning environment that enables students to choose the time and place most suited for them to study. Assignments are practical and work-based and highly relevant to your organisation’s sustainability strategy.

Learn from Industry Experts

Cultivating strategic and innovative thinking is a core theme and the programme is taught from this perspective. Tutors are experienced industry leaders, ensuring the relevance of the content to Innovating for Sustainability in the Workplace. Graduates can immediately implement their learning and make a positive impact to the success of their working environment. This PGC programme will benefit your personal development as well as your professional career putting you in a strong position for career progression in this sector.

Why should I study this course?

This course has been specifically designed for delivery by online learning with live interactive webinar sessions. It is very suited to you if you have a busy work and home life and want to fit study around this. The integrated  programme webinars are designed to give you the connection between theory and practice in innovating and implementing a sustainability strategy for your organisation. You will have the opportunity to attend online interactive webinars as they happen or to catch up later via the recorded session.

There is one to one expert tutor support available to you during your learning journey. You can upload your assessments and your expert support tutor will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track. Online learning allows you to study at your time with support available when you need it.

"Our biggest challenge is to take an idea that seems abstract - sustainable development - and turn it into a reality for all the world's people"

- Kofi Annan

Who will recognise my qualification?

Post Graduate Certificate in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace awarded by London Metropolitan University (LMU). This is recognised as a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Students are registered as postgraduate students of London Metropolitan University and will receive a student card confirming their student status.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement.

Validated Agreement

One or more modules or the full course has been developed and delivered by Portobello Institute and has been evaluated and deemed by London Metropolitan university (London Met) to be of an equivalent standard and quality to that of its own provision, and therefore suitable to lead to one of its own awards.

What will I study during this Level 9 PGC Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace course?

This PGC programme in Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace is designed to encourage interaction and contribution from students, expert tutors and senior leaders. This methodology will enhance your skillset to include an understanding of the proactive approach and the strategic context needed to meet the growing emphasis of sustainability in the workplace.

Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace Skills

You will further develop skills such as critically analysing and problem solving in the context of innovation and strategic decision making. Practical industry insights and presentations ensure that you will relate theory to real-life work scenarios. Upon completion of this programme, you will have developed toolkits and techniques to innovate, design and implement a practical sustainable solution for your organisation.

  • Implementing Sustainability

    Core Module – 20 credits at Level 9

    The quality of the built environment can provide a visible insight into an organisation’s sustainability credentials. Increasingly, those responsible for the workplace environment have the remit of innovating and designing sustainability policies to support the organisation’s sustainability policy.

    This module incorporates the following;

    The factors of sustainability for green building

    The role of innovative design, planning and technologies to improve building performance

    Emerging technologies- the potential of emerging technology in facilitating the sustainable workplace

    The future of the workplace environment

    Your Lecturer

    Bernard MacOscair

  • Design Principles for Sustainability

    Core Module – 20 credits at Level 9

    Underpinning effective sustainability management requires those responsible for the workplace to understand how to implement sustainability policy and re-think the manner in which they discharge their duties. Examining sustainable practices, across different size organisations and economic sectors, supports the development and understanding needed, to develop more effective approaches. This ensures sustainability policies can be progressed for managing the non-core business activities whilst also aligning with the core business strategies.

    This module covers the following;

    The methods and implementation of sustainability practices for improved building performance

    Production and consumption – the value chain and processes for sourcing, producing and consuming sustainably

    Compliance and best practice in sustainability

    The role of leadership and communication for change action.

    Your Lecturer

    Tony O’Gorman

  • Fundamentals of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Sustainability Innovation

    Core Module – 20 credits at Level 9

    The field of corporate social responsibility has practically transformed our world and reoriented the way organisations conduct and perceive their operational activities. Corporate managers, including facilities and those who represent organisations are always expected to behave ethically. Modern societies now expect that solutions to our social and environmental problems cannot only be the prerogative of nation governments, businesses of the 21st century have a lot to contribute when finding solutions to these problems.

    The demands modern stakeholders put before organisations have continued to increase; tomorrow’s managers need to know how to meet these demands. Some scholars have in fact argued that corporate social responsibility has drawn our attention to some of the excesses which globalisation has brought unto the corporate scene in the 21st century.

    We have seen some unacceptable practices which have accompanied globalisation and consequently made the job of CSR and what it advocates much more difficult. Many things have been made a lot more challenging for everyone because of this. We cannot ignore the adverse impacts of these excesses. There are several unacceptable practices in the form of injustices and human rights abuses, extreme poverty in several nation states both emerging and even some advanced nations, environmental degradation, some irresponsible and reckless practices by some corporate leaders and terrorism on a very large scale. In recent years, several social, economic and environmental problems have continued to cause concern to us all, for example; climate change, waste management and irresponsible use of our depletable resources just to mention a few.

     

    Your Lecturer

    Eoin O’Sullivan

Who will I learn from?

Personal Academic Tutor

Each student is assigned a personal academic tutor to support you throughout your learning journey. They are available to offer you telephone and email support at any time. You can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance at a time convenient to you.

Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion. Emailing your tutor at any stage during your programme to ask a query or submit a draft of your assessment supports you to achieve your personal best throughout your studies with Portobello.

This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing Portobello as your Institute of choice to complete your studies.

Eoin O’Sullivan

Position: Senior Lecturer

About Eoin

I began my career in 1990 in Mechanical services working on construction projects in the greater Munster area, e.g. Apple Inc. Cork Airport and Debeers, culminating in 2000 as a mechanical project supervisor. I then took up a position in a large private healthcare facility in Cork whereby I started my journey in Facilities Management. I was responsible for some key aspects of strategic management and operational functions. In the last few years I continued that journey as I moved to a large University to become a significant member of the FM team adding my experience and vision to the organisation.

I have always been a keen advocate of continuous personal and professional development and business today recognises this aspect and rewards it. I have achieved multiple qualifications in areas such as; mechanical services, process and chemical engineering, electrical and gas systems, leading empowered organisations, IOSH accreditation and project management.

My vast experience in these subjects coupled with 10 years construction experience and over 20 years of facility management allow me to cultivate rapport with students and develop course work and material based on practical experience in the workplace.

Eoin’s Teaching Philosophy

I am a qualified Engineer and a proud member of Engineer’s Ireland and I take pride in my attention to precision and detail. I base my lectures and teaching style on this philosophy. I strive to prepare and manage quality coursework relevant to the student with industry focus. The coursework is based on the required learning outcomes developed to engage students and peer learning. I have previously lectured with other adult education providers and the Cork Institute of Technology where I still guest lecture on career aspects with students to help them understand and see opportunities that lay ahead through education.

Qualifications 

  • Masters in Project Management
  • Process and Chemical Engineer
  • Qualified Plumber
  • Electrical Systems
  • Gas Systems
  • Leading an Empowered Organisation
  • Managing Safely – IOSH

Research / Industry Participation

  • ISO 50001 – Energy management
  • OHS 18001 – Occupational Health and Safety,
  • ISO 9001- Quality Management Systems
  • IAM – Institute of Asset Management
  • Joint Commission International Standards

Tony O’Gorman

Position: Senior Lecturer

“We are dealing with unprecedented change in our industry. It is imperative therefore to keep upskilling, networking and seeking new ways to deliver FM in the most efficient and effective manner.”

About Tony 

I have worked in engineering, maintenance and management roles for the last four decades, in a variety of senior roles for multinationals, the not-for-profit sector, various parts of the public sector in addition to running my own successful businesses in the technical consulting, training and industrial maintenance sectors. I have worked in Ireland, Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, United States and Ireland. I bring this wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom.

Tony’s Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is based on early and continual engagement with students across the duration of their studies. I have witnessed the transformative effect that a successful learning experience has on the lives of students and has a particular interest in supporting adult learners returning to the classroom by utilizing learning sessions as forums for students to learn by solving real-world problems using practical work experiences. I have a wide range of teaching experiences in both public and private education institutes. I lecture in the areas of FM Asset Management, Risk, Health & Safety , Strategic Management, People and Change and Project Management.

Qualifications

  • MBA Henley Management College/University of Reading
  •  M.A Health Services Management. UCD Whitaker School of Government and Management.
  • Master of Engineering, Open University
  • B. Eng. (Hons) in Environmental & Public Health Engineering. Open University
  • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Technology Management. IT Tallaght
  • PMI PMP certification
  •  Doctoral Candidate – Doctorate in Business
  • Administration (principal area of research is the area of organisational performance measurement and management)

Bernard MacOscair

Position: Senior Lecturer

About Bernard

I am currently Senior Executive with a proven international, multi-site & multi-disciplinary track record in Operation Excellence, Business Development, Project Management, Utilities and Facilities. A lifelong student of organisational behaviour and operational excellence, I continue to deliver measured customer-centric results through my consulting firm Berka Solutions Ltd. An excellent communicator and leader at all levels, I have over 15 years’ experience in lecturing, training and development, with a strong belief in the power of change management through Continuous Improvement, Transformational and Lean Programs.

Bernard’s Teaching Philosophy 

As a believer in the Growth mindset, I hold education and personal development at the core of everything I do in class. My coaching, inclusive and collaborative style allows student to engage in their studies, therefore building their knowledge base.

Career Highlights 

As a passionate problem solver, I have led some significant program in the recent passed;

  •  Implemented a Change Management & Continuous Improvement program for a Large Multi-National Insurance Firm.
  • Delivered an accelerated Outsourcing program for a large Pharmaceutical Multi-National achieving over 1 million in cost savings.
  • Reduced FM spend for a portfolio of Pharma manufacturing sites from 24 million to 21 million through Operational Excellence program.
  • Build an Operations team from 1 to 100, restructured twice while increasing productivity by 17%.
  • Led a project team to implement LAAS (Light as a Service) solution that won the national FM project of the Year.
  • Led the overhaul of 138MW Generator in situ in India, saving over 2.2 million in costs.
  • Led the design, development, commissioning and validation of the largest automated Purified Water Room in Ireland at the time.

Qualifications 

  • MBA
  • BEng

 

How will I learn?

Delivery Mode

What is Online with Webinar Learning?

Online with Webinar Learning is a form of blended learning. It re-structures the content introducing online learning together with interactive webinars and one to one tutor support.  This mode of delivery includes contact tuition (by webinar) and web-based e-learning sessions. The e-learning platform is interactive including recorded sessions, webinars with weekly content and assigned tasks to themes and topics.

There are webinars held at regular intervals including the commencement of each module. Attendance is not mandatory but is encouraged for optimal learning. The webinars are designed to support students understand the requirements of the learning outcomes, the expectations of the assessment and meet their tutor for the module.

What is a webinar?

A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed e-learning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question of the lecturer at any stage during the class.

Interactive break-out rooms

The software is designed with “break-out rooms” where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you.

Secure online learning environment

The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the “classroom”. Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.

Course Structure

This is an online with webinars course delivered over 4 months with supported webinars held during scheduled Saturdays – schedule TBC. This level 9 PGC programme consists of three modules.

Interactive webinars

Each module has 2 * 1 day webinars designed to support the student complete the module, assessments and engage in live case studies with our experienced industry professional tutors. Webinars are held on a Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Attendance at webinars is not mandatory but is encouraged for optimal learning outcomes.

Induction webinar

There is an induction webinar held at the start of the course. This is usually held on an evening before the first module. The Induction webinar is delivered with the purpose of introducing the module tutor, setting out the learning outcomes, content, the assessment strategy and expectations for skills/knowledge development for the programme.

Elearning portal

All of the course material is held on an e-learning portal which is an easy to use online platform specifically designed for online learning programmes. During the induction, students will be introduced to the platform with practical demonstration of how to use the portal and access lessons quickly and easily. To complete this course, students must have a basic knowledge of using a computer and searching the internet for research purposes.

Expert tutor support

The tutorial webinars held at the start and throughout each module introduce you to your tutor who will guide and support you throughout the module. These seminars lay out the module for you and support you to learn and acquire the skills you will need. The assessment and expectations for successful completion are covered in detail.

One to one support

Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion.  You can email your tutor at any stage during the module to ask a simple query or submit a draft of your assessment. Our programme management team are always available to offer you telephone and email support and if you need to, you can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance.

This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing this mode of study. Portobello Institute has invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced in the field of Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace as well as qualified and knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you at every stage of this programme.

Broaden your professional network

Many graduates tell us they learn as much from each other as they do from tutors. Attending the webinars is key to meeting fellow students, engaging in discussion and exchanging ideas.  Meeting fellow students gives you the opportunity to create your study network for the duration of your learning journey. This network can prove extremely useful afterwards during your professional career.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

This course runs from 07/10/23 – 28/01/24.

Tutorial webinar/seminar held on allocated Saturdays, 10am – 4pm.

Webinars are recorded so you may review at a later stage if you are unable to attend the live sessions.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments for this post graduate certificate are broadly assignment based. Assessments vary from practice based assignments to operational plans and reflective essays, all seeking to combine up to date and relevant theory with scenario-based learning and practical implementation.

Downloads

Course Delivery Mode
Course
 L9 PGC Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace 		Delivery Mode
Online with webinars
 Download Brochure

Career prospects

This is a uniquely designed programme, focusing on the innovation, design and implementation of a sustainability plan in the workplace. The skills acquired from this programme are designed to compliment those working in facilities management, engineering, building management, real estate/property asset management and/or related areas. This programme facilitates graduates to advance their career to make a real and measurable difference in improving the businesses and workplace environments they are involved in.

Leading Innovation in Sustainability in the Workplace

As a leader advancing in your profession, the relevant knowledge, information and skills for dealing with the demand, challenges and opportunities of delivering sustainability in business environments are critical. Staying abreast of the changes at local, national and global levels are increasingly important to ensure leaders of workplace environments meet their responsibilities. This programme provides you with the skillset to progress the change needed for a sustainable environment that consequently will progress your career.

 

Related Courses

Speak to an expert

Choosing a course that will lead you to your career of choice is a significant decision. Understanding the delivery modes, supports available, career opportunities and further study options are all key considerations when making your choice. Our course adviser team are experts in the courses Portobello offers, the employment prospects and possible progression routes to Masters programmes – they will guide you through the detail and support you with any queries you may have.

It is important you make the right choice for you and choose the Institute and course that will best suit your needs.

Your Consultant

Brandon McLean

I am Brandon McLean, the Corporate Admissions Manager here at the Portobello Institute and I can be contacted on 01 892 0035.

Education is a journey and the destination is a career that you love. I support the department that helps you to plan your journey so you can find the path that’s right for you. I have been with Portobello since 2018 and I love the elation that you can see on the face and hear in the voice of a student who talks through a complicated goal, who we can provide with a simple solution. When the conversation has finished and they can clearly see the path forward, I am thrilled. Education is a milestone in determining your future, and I cannot think of a better milestone to have a hand in.

Book a consultation

How do I apply?

Entry is by direct application to Portobello Institute.

There are entry criteria available to students with differing qualifications/experience levels and these are detailed below.

This programme is intended for applicants with a primary degree preferably but not limited to science, engineering, facilities, and workplace management – or a related discipline. A lower second-class honours degree or international equivalent is required. Applicants with substantial relevant work experience will also be considered – see below.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Entry using Experiential Learning

Students may apply for entry to the PGC Innovation in Sustainability for the Workplace using experience gained in the workplace in place of prior educational qualifications if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis with practical knowledge a key criterion for entry via this route.

Our experienced course adviser team are available to support you with your programme choice. If you are unsure if this programme is right for you, please email your cv to [email protected] for further advice or call him on 01-8920035. We will support you to map your experience to date and any previous educational experience you may have to our programmes so that you can select the course best suited to your career ambition and educational experience.

Application Process

Step 1

Complete the online application form.

Step 2

Applicant’s application will be reviewed by the Portobello enrolment team.

Step 3

Applicant’s will be contacted by the Portobello enrolment team to confirm place on the course or for more information.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria, maybe eligible for entry into the IWFM Level 5 Award in Sustainability Practice. This programme is available through Portobello Institute.

Students will be registered as an postgraduate degree student with London Metropolitan University.

Please note places on this course are only confirmed once tuition fees have been received. Early Application is advised.

Fees & Payment Options

Fees

Course Price

Year 1 base fee

€3,995

Exam Body Reg. Fee

€275.00

Overall Course Price

Total amount due

€4,270.00

Easy Payment Plan

Payment Option 1

30% deposit payment (€1,309.50), followed by 2 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €95.

  • €1,527.75 due in month 1
  • €1,527.75 due in month 2
Ready to apply? View Downloads Speak to an expert

Available Courses

Course Delivery Mode Start Date Duration Fees Per Year
Course
 L9 PGC Innovation for Sustainability in the Workplace 		Delivery Mode
Online with webinars
 Start Date
 7th October 2023 		Duration
 4 months 		Fees Per Year
 €4,270.00 		Fully Booked

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