Sustainability Certifications for Undergraduate Students

Why Sustainability Certifications Matter for Students

There’s a growing demand for sustainability professionals across diverse industries. These include energy, construction, consulting, and corporate ESG. Investments in nature-based solutions (NbS) can result in 32 million new jobs by 2030.

As a result, employers increasingly expect sustainability literacy from young professionals. Proof: Job candidates with green skills get employed about 80% more often.

How can you capitalize on the growing demand for sustainability-literate candidates? Earn sustainability certifications for undergraduate students ASAP.

LEED and CSP are the top two certifications in our opinion. LEED focuses on sustainable building practices. CSP emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of ESG strategies. 

Here, we’ll discuss the best sustainability certifications for undergraduate students. You’ll know how to make the right choice and how to use them to begin a green career.

Related:

• Environmental Science Certifications for Undergraduates
• Emerging Degree Programs: What Students Need to Know
• Top 20 Greenest Colleges
• Entry-Level Certifications That Impress Employers
• Certifications That Lead to High-Paying Jobs
• Top Modern Degree Programs for High-Growth Career Fields

What Sustainability Roles Look Like in Today’s Workforce

Earning sustainability certifications for undergraduate students has its benefits.

The Rise of Green Jobs Globally

Environmental science is one of the fastest-growing career fields. The projected job growth for environmental scientists is 4% (BLS, 2024-2034).

Core Skills Vital for Success

You’ll develop these core skills that will boost your career success:

• Environmental impact analysis
• Energy efficiency
• Sustainable design
• ESG reporting and compliance
• Climate resilience and adaptation

Why You Should Begin Early

With certifications, you’ll be more competitive for internships and campus leadership roles. You can also be more qualified for research assistant roles.

Many sustainability jobs also require hands-on experience. You can establish a strong foundation of experience by earning certifications. 

Top Sustainability Certifications for Undergraduate Students

We chose these as the best sustainability certifications for students because of their:

• Reasonable fees, including student discounts
• Accessible eligibility requirements for undergraduates
• Career relevance

LEED Green Associate (Most Popular for Students)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awards the LEED Green Associate credential. This is an excellent entry-level LEED certification for college students. There’s no professional work experience requirement for candidates.

The certification signals foundational knowledge in:

• Sustainable building design
• Energy efficiency
• Water systems
• Materials selection
• Indoor environmental quality

The cost is $200-$250 for students. You’ll need 2-6 weeks of study to increase your chances of passing the exam. There are 100 multiple-choice questions in the two-hour, computer-based exam.

The certification supports careers in:

• Architecture
• Environmental science
• Green construction
• Urban planning
• Corporate ESG

Start with it so you can build your green career on a solid foundation.

Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) – Entry-Level Pathway

The ISSP offers many green career certifications for beginners. If you’re exploring your choices, consider the CSP credential first.

The credential signals competence in core sustainability areas, including:

• Sustainability strategy
• Environmental policy
• Life-cycle assessment
• Corporate sustainability planning

Undergraduates can start with ISSP’s Sustainability Associate credential. Then, you can progress to the CSP credential as you gain more experience.

Read the Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP) student guide for more information.

WELL AP (for Students Interested in Health + Environment)

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) awards the WELL Accredited Professional credential. It is among the most popular student sustainability credentials because it: 

• Focuses on health-focused building standards (air, water, wellness, lighting, movement)
• Has no strict professional work experience eligibility requirement
• Allows candidates to prepare through self-study, coursework, and/or internships
• Meets the increasing demand for WELL-trained professionals in workplace design

WELL AP is ideal for students interested in public health, architecture, or urban design.

ESRI GIS Certifications (Essential for Environmental Data Careers)

GIS is a top skill in sustainability and environmental science because it:

• Creates visual maps to understand  environmental trends
• Supports informed decision-making for environmental  purposes

ESRI offers many beginner-friendly courses and certificates, such as:

• ArcGIS Online Specialist
• ArcGIS Desktop Associate

You can apply for either one without prior experience. Then, once you’ve earned it, you can add it to your resume when applying for jobs as:

• Environmental science technician
• Climate data analyst
• Conservation planning specialist

Environmental science technicians earned $49,490/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024).

GRI Certification (Global Reporting Initiative)

The GRI certification is open to individuals without prior professional experience. You can enroll in in-person and online programs, too.

The training focuses on:

• Sustainability reporting
• ESG metrics
• Corporate transparency

If you’re interested in ESG or corporate sustainability, consider it. You’ll gain practical skills in the above areas and boost your employability.

There’s also a growing demand for ESG reporting specialists and managers (i.e., $135,801/year average salary).

Energy Efficiency & Renewables Certifications

Do you want to gain practical skills in sustainable energy systems? If yes, consider these certifications:

• NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate (solar)
• EnergyStar Portfolio Manager training
• DOE’s Energy Literacy certifications

The renewable energy industry is a top employer, too. More than 16.2 million people were employed globally as of early 2025 (IRENA).

Climate Action & Resilience Certifications

Are you interested in public policy, community planning, or emergency management? If yes, consider climate action and resilience certifications like:

• FEMA Climate Resilience courses
• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Student Certification

Both are beginner-friendly options.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Certifications

Go for the OSHA 30 (for General Industry or Construction) if you’re interested in roles in:

• Environmental consulting
• Construction
• Fieldwork
• Industrial sustainability

These basic safety credentials can lead to jobs like:

• Environmental field technician
• Safety officer or coordinator
• Field sustainability consultant

You’ll likely be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Don’t be, because you can narrow them down by using the guide below.

Matching Certifications to Sustainability Career Paths

First, consider your major, interests, and career goals. Then, look at the guide below.

Environmental Science Majors

Go for these environmental science certifications for undergraduates:

• LEED GA
• GIS
• CSP associate level

Architecture & Urban Planning Students

Explore your options in these certifications:

• LEED GA
• WELL AP
• Energy Modeling

Business & ESG/Corporate Responsibility Students

Your best bets in certifications are:

• GRI
• CSP
• SDG

Public Health Students

Consider earning one or more of these certifications:

• WELL AP
• Environmental health (e.g., REHS/RS, CIH, or CHMM)

Policy & Community Development Students

The recommended paths are:

• FEMA climate courses
• CSP
• SDG training

You can work with your college’s career planning services for this purpose.

How Undergraduates Can Start Preparing for Certification Exams

Are you wondering how to start a sustainability career in college? Follow these steps and get started on the right foot.

College Coursework that Helps

Choose courses that align with your career goals. You can work with your academic advisor to make informed course choices in:

• Environmental science
• Sustainability
• Engineering
• Architecture
• Policy
• GIS

Your choice of courses can also influence your success in the certification exams.

Internships That Strengthen Certification Value

These organizations offer meaningful internships for aspiring sustainability professionals:

• Environmental consulting firms
• Urban development organizations
• ESG teams in corporations
• Green building firms

Campus Initiatives that Build Experience

Earning sustainable design certifications for students builds experience. But don’t stop there either. Consider joining these campus-based initiatives, too.

• Sustainability clubs
• Zero-waste campus programs
• Green dorm audits
• Solar or energy efficiency projects

Affordable Exam Prep Options

Overcome the cost-related challenges of earning certifications by leveraging these options.

• Free online LEED prep
• ISSP student memberships
• ESRI free courses
• Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning options

Cost, Difficulty, and Time Investment Breakdown

Salary & Job Outlook for Sustainability Careers

Are you wondering, “What jobs can I get with sustainability certifications?” Read on.

The beauty of entry-level environmental certifications is their job versatility. You may be qualified for jobs like:

• Environmental technician
• Sustainability coordinator
• ESG analyst
• Green building consultant
• Urban planner
• Renewable energy technician

Growth Trends

Here are the projected job growth rates for certain jobs.

• Environmental scientists (+4% growth, BLS, 2024-2034)
• Sustainability specialists (fast-growing category in O*NET)
• Solar photovoltaics technicians and installers (+42% growth, BLS, 2024-2034)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sustainability certifications worth it for undergraduates?

Yes, they can boost your credibility and, thus, employability.

Can students take the LEED Green Associate exam?

Yes, they can even without prior professional work experience.

What is the easiest sustainability certification to start with?

The LEED Green Associate or ISSP Sustainability Associate are good choice.

Which certifications help you get sustainability internships?

The LEED GA, CSP, WELL AP, and ESRI GIS can boost your competitiveness. 

Do sustainability jobs require certification?

Not always. However, if you have certifications, your job competitiveness can improve.

How early should students start earning environmental credentials?

Your junior or senior year is a good start. But you can start exploring your options in your freshman year.

Conclusion: Start Building Your Sustainability Career Today

Pick at least one beginner certification to jump-start your environmental career. Start exploring programs, joining campus sustainability groups, or registering for an exam. With the right certification, you can stand out in competitive green industries.