First university certificate connecting sustainability and standardisation

The University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute for Standardisation, Accreditation, Safety and Quality of Products and Services (ILNAS) are launching a pilot university certificate in standardisation for sustainable development, a 3 ECTS executive education programme designed to connect sustainability objectives with standardisation and its practical use.

The one-semester hybrid programme will equip master's students, sustainability professionals and technical experts with a deep understanding of standardisation's role in the context of the sustainable development, as well as its practical applications within evolving regulatory frameworks.

As sustainability regulations and policy frameworks continue to evolve across Europe, organisations need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of sustainability objectives, requirements and approaches. The new interdisciplinary curriculum addresses this challenge by providing participants with a practical understanding of sustainable development and the evolving regulatory landscape, while exploring how European and international standards can support sustainability strategies and objectives.

"Economic, technological and environmental developments are creating new skills requirements for businesses. Through this certificate, the University of Luxembourg and ILNAS are offering a programme that bridges academic knowledge and real-world practice, helping future professionals better understand and leverage the opportunities offered by standardisation", emphasises Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism.

"In a fast-evolving technological world, a degree remains an essential foundation but is no longer enough to differentiate oneself. Certifications add that extra layer of expertise, and standardisation is a strategic competence that connects academic knowledge with evolving industry needs and practical application" said Inès Chihi, Professor, University of Luxembourg.

"There is no single approach to sustainable development. Different sectors and stakeholders bring different perspectives, terminology and methodologies. Standardisation helps bring these perspectives together, creating a common language and shared approaches. Understanding how this process works and how to contribute to it is an increasingly valuable competence for professionals working in sustainable development" said Jeanne Pernot, Responsible for "Sustainable Development and Standardisation", ILNAS.

The certificate combines academic foundations, expert-led modules and an interactive Serious Game, giving participants hands-on experience of negotiation and consensus-building in standardisation.

In their project work, participants will apply this knowledge to a practical sustainability-related challenge, either in the context of a real organisation or through a fictional case. They will explore how existing standards and ongoing standardisation work can address the challenge and, where relevant, identify gaps where no suitable standard or standardisation work currently exists. This enables participants to assess the relevance of standardisation in a concrete context and identify potential opportunities offered by this specific tool.

Through this initiative, the University of Luxembourg and ILNAS aim to strengthen the skills needed to support organisations in their sustainability transitions, while fostering a better understanding of how standardisation can support sustainability goals, bring stakeholders together and contribute to the development of shared approaches.

Admissions will be open from 23 October until 19 February 2027. The programme is in English. The fees amount to €770.

Useful link

Programmes d'études: Certificate in Standardisation for Sustainable Development

Press releasy by the Ministry of the Economy