Course description

Environmental and social (E&S) management is critical in ensuring hydropower projects are sustainable, responsible, and enhancing long-term benefits for communities and ecosystems. 

In this course, you will gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the E&S impacts associated with hydropower projects. You will gain practical insights into how to screen and scope projects effectively, mitigate potential impacts, and ensure compliance with international good and best practices in the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

Whether you are new to the field or have advanced expertise in E&S, this course provides detailed approaches, methodologies and case studies for you to learn from to navigate the challenges of hydropower projects. 

The course also includes a brief overview of the assessment process and scoring methodology of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. If you would like to learn more about the HS Standard in detail, you are encouraged to take our Hydropower Sustainability Standard: Comprehensive Online Course.

Course features

  • Flexible Learning

    Engage with our content anytime, anywhere, to suit your busy schedule

  • Interactive Activities

    Participate in activities and discussions with trainers and fellow learners to deepen your understanding and apply knowledge effectively

  • Practical Tools and Resources

    Gain access to case studies, templates and guides that you can immediately implement in your projects

Assess E&S impacts

Understand the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, how to gather critical data, and assess project impacts to develop effective mitigation strategies for project approval.

Implement management plans

Discover the essential components of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and how to implement plans that address identified impacts.

Align with international best practices

Learn about the international good and best practices for E&S management to ensure your projects meet or exceed global benchmarks.

Who should attend?

  • Environmental and social consultants who support hydropower projects and want to stay updated on best practices

  • Hydropower project managers and developers responsible for planning and overseeing hydropower projects, who need a thorough understanding of E&S impacts

  • Sustainability and compliance officers responsible for ensuring projects meet international sustainability and regulatory requirements

  • Government and regulatory officials involved in the permitting and oversight of hydropower projects, who wish to understand the latest in E&S practices

Course curriculum

    1. Hello from your trainers

    2. Course outline, objectives and structure

    3. How to navigate the platform

    1. Lesson 1: E&S impacts in hydropower

    2. Activity 1: Identify E&S impacts

    3. Lesson 2: Important concepts and definitions

    4. Activity 2: Key E&S terms and definitions

    5. Lesson 3: ESIA, ESMP and Management Systems

    6. Activity 3: Applying the mitigation hierarchy

    7. Quiz: Module 1 review

    1. Lesson 4: Introduction to the HS Standard

    2. Activity 4: HS Standard terms and definitions

    3. Lesson 5: Reporting templates

    4. Activity 5A: Scope and Principle statements

    5. Activity 5B: Becoming familiar with reporting templates

    6. Lesson 6: Scoring methodology

    7. Activity 6: Find the gap

    8. Lesson 7: Gap significance

    9. Activity 7: Judging gap significance

    10. Quiz: Module 2 review

    1. Lesson 8: E&S activities in the project life cycle

    2. Activity 8: Match E&S activity to the project stage

    3. Lesson 9: E&S performance requirements

    4. Activity 9A: E&S Minimum requirements

    5. Activity 9B: E&S Advanced requirements

    6. Quiz: Module 3 review

    1. Lesson 10: Strategic planning and screening

    2. Activity 10: Options Analysis

    3. Lesson 11: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

    4. Activity 11: Identifying impacts and their significance

    5. Lesson 12: Mitigation measures, ESMPs and Management Systems

    6. Activity 12: Identifying mitigation measures and the significance of residual impacts

    7. Lesson 13: Monitoring and Adaptive Management

    8. Activity 13: Identifying Key Performance Indicators

    9. Quiz: Module 4 review

    1. Final Quiz

    2. Congratulations and next steps

    3. Closing survey

About this course

  • €500,00
  • 13 lessons + 2 hours of videos
  • 13 activities and quizzes
  • 20 hours of learning

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this course right for me?

    This course offers a dynamic and thorough look into assessing and managing E&S impacts in hydropower planning and operations. You will learn about international good and best practices in preparing impact assessments, management plans and systems.

  • Am I right for this course?

    Yes! We encourage professionals with all levels of knowledge and experience to take the course.

  • Will I receive a certificate?

    Yes. Participants who successfully complete all lessons, activities and quizzes will receive a certificate of completion from the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance.

  • How much does this course cost?

    The cost of this training is €500 + VAT per participant. HSA and IHA members are eligible for a 10% discount.