Sustainability Leadership Qualifications

Sustainability is at the heart of future leadership. The CMI Sustainability Leadership Qualifications empowers learners at universities, further education colleges, and organisations with the critical management and leadership skills needed to address sustainability challenges.

cmi-sustainability-qualification-people-talking

Why sustainability leadership matters

Sustainability is no longer optional, it's essential. With net zero targets now a legal requirement, there is a growing demand for organisations to upskill their employees in green and sustainability practices.

Designed in collaboration with industry experts, CMI's Sustainability Leadership Qualifications equip learners with the skills needed to implement, lead, and embed sustainable practices across industries.

Sustainability qualifications infographic

Sustainable
Future

82%

of managers think all managers will be required to have an understanding of net zero and sustainability in the next five years.*

Training
Demand

80%

of managers agreed that they would benefit from having training on net zero and sustainability.*

Employment
Growth

69%

increase in management roles demanding green skills between 2015 to 2024.*

*CMI research 2025

Sustainability leadership framework for managers and leaders

Deliver on your terms - offer courses in-person, online, or hybrid, with modular flexibility to fit your delivery model. CMI supports providers with three sustainability qualifications, each focused on the responsibilities of different roles.

Sustainability Principles for First Line Managers

Level 3

A qualification with a clear focus on developing sustainability awareness and delivering daily activities in line with sustainability policies and procedures.

Find out more

Sustainability Management and Leadership

Level 5

A qualification with a clear focus on developing core sustainability knowledge, delivering change, implementing strategy and leading others.

Find out more

Strategic Sustainability Leadership

Level 7

A qualification which equips leaders to use sustainability principles to drive strategy, and embed sustainable practices into organisational culture and decision-making.

Find out more

Why choose CMI

Enhance your
training offer

CMI qualifications are trusted by employers and respected across industries, giving your learners a competitive edge.

Clear progression
pathway

Put learners on a pathway to fCMgr or CMgr status, enhancing their career prospects.

Tap into growing
demand

Sustainability skills are a top business priority. Meet growing employer and learner demand.

Drive learner
success

Learners gain Affiliate Membership and access to premium digital resources, driving better outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

Are the qualifications mapped to CMI's Professional Standards?
Yes, all of the sustainability qualifications are mapped to the CMI Professional Standards, particularly "Leading on the Green Agenda", "Prioritising the Environment" and "Committing to Sustainability".
Why should providers offer sustainability leadership courses?
The growing focus on climate change and environmental responsibility places increasing pressure on businesses to adapt. Strong management and leadership are essential in navigating this shift, ensuring that sustainability is not just a compliance requirement but a core part of business strategy. Managers and leaders must champion change, embed sustainable thinking into decision-making, and create a culture where innovation drives long-term environmental and economic success. Clear leadership direction and effective management practices are key to integrating sustainability seamlessly into operations and meeting the rising expectations of consumers and regulators.
What resources will be available to learners?
While studying at any CMI Centre, learners automatically become Affiliate members. This gives them exclusive access to thousands of resources, tailored to their qualification level. This support makes studying more seamless, ensuring learners get the most out of their qualification.
Does CMI have a net zero commitment?
Yes, CMI has a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2040, you can find out more on our Net Zero page.
Is prior experience in sustainability required?
No previous experience in sustainability is required, more details on the entry requirements and content can be found on the qualification pages.

Hear from our community

We are part of the ecosystem, we are part of biodiversity, and what we do individually and within organisations has a big impact on the state of the planet.

Jan Bebbington

Management Publication of the Year shortlist

Speak to the team

To deliver CMI's sustainability qualifications, complete the form and our team will be in touch to support you in embedding them into your programme.

For international numbers, please include the country code

Your privacy is important to us. For details on how we use your data please see CMI's Privacy Notice.