Sustainability Essentials Certificate

Best practice in sustainability for advertising professionals.

The IPA Sustainability Essentials Certificate is a practical and positive introduction to sustainability for advertising and media agencies.

From climate to pollution and from diversity to biodiversity, the qualification explores the challenges that shape our environment, society and economy, both globally and in the UK – and the actions that agencies can take in response. 

The qualification sets sustainability in a practical context. Professionals find out what it takes to be part of a sustainable agency, and discover tools, frameworks and resources, aimed at both creative and media agencies. 

Learners can explore sustainable relationships with suppliers, clients and industry peers and understand the influence of advertising on consumers, including the responsibility to avoid greenwashing. 

Along the way, there are chances to apply sustainability knowledge. The qualification includes practical pointers, case studies, and opportunities to reflect on a more sustainable future. 

Who is this qualifcation for? 

Aimed at anyone working in advertising, media or marketing communications who wants to build a strong foundation in sustainability and understand the role our industry can play in creating positive change. 

What are the benefits? 

  • Learn key sustainability concepts and terminology.  
  • Understand the advertising industry's environmental and social impacts.  
  • Identify opportunities to reduce emissions and improve sustainability performance. 
  • Recognise the risks of greenwashing and misleading environmental claims.  
  • Contribute confidently to sustainability conversations with clients, colleagues and partners. 

View the full Sustainability Essentials Certificate syllabus.

How is the qualification delivered and assessed? 

  • Approximately 20 hours of online learning accessible through the IPA website on any device. 
  • Formal 30-minute multiple choice exam. 
  • If you pass the exam, you will be awarded a digital certificate of completion and 1 MIPA star towards personal accreditation. 

How do you book onto and access the qualification?

Please select your intake from the ‘Intakes’ drop down on this page and proceed to checkout.

Once booked, you can access and start your online learning via the IPA website. To access, please head to your personal IPA portal via the profile icon and click on ‘Training’. Or, visit your personal training page.

Learners must complete this qualification by 31 December of their intake year.

Learning access

Once booked your learning access will be granted in November 2026.

Price

  • Members: Free.
  • Non-Members: £120+VAT.

If you are purchasing the Certificate as a business based outside of the UK and believe you should not be charged VAT on the sale, please get in touch with [email protected]. If your business is based in the EU, we will ask you to confirm your VAT number before making your booking. This VAT number will be recorded as part of your sale transaction. If your business is based outside the EU, we will ask for further evidence of your business location.

Policies

We operate a 14-day cancellation policy. Please view the policies or further details:

For more information, please email [email protected].


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