Welcome to the School of Ecological Transformation:
Developed in collaboration between The Open University and Veolia Australia and New Zealand, this course will enable you to take the lead on climate action from within your organisation.
Equip yourself with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to drive meaningful change within your organisation and beyond.
This 12-week University accredited microcredential will deepen your understanding of climate science and empower you to become a catalyst for sustainability. Explore five powerful ways of working, practical frameworks, and proven strategies that can help your organisation respond effectively to act for ecological transformation.
Course on offer:
Climate Change: Transforming Your Organisation for Sustainability
Course duration:
29 September to 22 December 2025
Learning commitment:
10-12 hours per week (combination of online learning and coursework)
How you will benefit from taking this course
KNOWLEDGE
Gain a University accreditation with one of the world leading online Universities
Broad and pragmatic climate knowledge – Understand the latest science and learn how to use key footprinting and measurement tools to understand the carbon, water, slavery and environmental impacts of daily actions.
Real-world inspiration – Explore case studies of bold, collaborative action from pioneering individuals and organisations to influence your organisational strategy.
SKILLS
Practical strategies – Identify quick wins and long-term opportunities to lead, innovate, and transform from within your organisation.
Leadership development – Reframe cultural norms and evolve your leadership style to include a big picture view for ecological transformation within your daily work.
Influence and impact – Learn how to engage others, build momentum, and lead change collaboratively.
ACTION
The courage to act – Leave with the clarity and confidence to take meaningful and creative steps toward a more sustainable future.
Applied skills – Create a sustainability action plan tailored to your organisational goals, to reimagine a part of your organisation for sustainability with potential to impact your organisation’s path to ecological transformation.
What worked well for me was the supportive learning environment. Being able to interact with my peers in the discussion forums...really encouraged me to ask more questions and keep an open mind when exploring new ideas. I also enjoyed that there was dedicated time for "daily mindfulness practice" - I explored this practice a lot while studying. This kept me grounded and present during study times, work, and being a mum as well.
Auryn Tupuhi - Resource Recovery Specialist, Veolia Australia and New Zealand, 2025
The course provided me with tools and frameworks beyond compliance, [and an] awareness of social issues beyond my technical and environmental skillset particularly the societal/social wellbeing/human development aspects. I found the self-paced learning and supported examples [to be] good content, with weekly challenges to consolidate learnings.
Ramona Bachu- Environmental Performance and Reporting Manager, Veolia Australia and New Zealand, 2025
Who is eligible to participate?
This university accredited course is offered at no cost through the Veolia Australia and New Zealand School of Ecological Transformation and is available to:
Current Veolia ANZ employees
Approved suppliers and contractors
Strategic partners and clients
Climate Change: Transforming your organisation for Sustainability (BZVM320)
This 10-credit module from The Open University UK will help you develop your knowledge of sustainability and gain new insights, skills, and tools to transform your organisation's response to the climate crisis. You'll learn the current science on climate change and the impact we can make as individuals and organisations. You will learn through case studies, interactive exercises, and expert-led content.
Topics covered:
- The climate crisis: global heating and its causes
- What we value, as cultures, organisations and individuals, and the tensions between them
- Connecting with nature and learning from nature to solve human problems
- Five ways of working: holistic, interrelated positive steps that can enable radical and rapid action
- Long-term thinking: how you can help your organisation take a longer-term view
- Prevention: deficit and asset-based approaches to the protection of nature
- Involvement: ways of involving a diversity of stakeholders meaningfully
- Collaboration: the factors for successful collaboration with examples from a range of organisations
- Integration: the integration of sustainability in your organisation
Applying tools and frameworks to put your ideas into action
Dr. Victoria Hands, Director of Sustainability
Dr Victoria Hands is a sustainability expert who empowers individuals and organisations to discover and adopt regenerative practices so they can transform their actions for sustainability. She promotes, trains, and coaches the implementation of long-term, preventative, inclusive, collaborative and integrated approaches. Victoria oversees OU policy, governance, data, reporting and implementation, and clarifies roles and objectives to ensure progress is aligned with the University's sustainability ambitions.
Veolia ANZ: A leading Global environmental services organisation
Veolia Australia and New Zealand is at the forefront of ecological transformation, providing innovative solutions for water, waste, and energy management. Our School of Ecological Transformation represents our commitment to building capacity and knowledge across our network of employees, suppliers, and partners.
The Open University: World-Class Distance Learning
The Open University is the UK's largest academic institution and a world pioneer in distance learning, with over 50 years of experience delivering quality education. Their environmental management courses are developed by leading experts and designed for practical application in professional settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to complete the course?
The course runs for approximately 12 weeks, culminating in a small assignment to consolidate learning, which is due at the end of the 12 week period.
Will I receive certification upon completion?
Yes, at the end of the course, you will receive a certification from the Open University, UK.
How much time should I allocate weekly?
On average, most participants allocate between 8 and 10 hours per week to work through the course materials. The course is self paced, so there is flexibility in terms of our unique study pattern.
Can I access the materials on mobile devices?
We recommend viewing course materials on a PC, tablet or laptop.
Who do I contact for technical support?
If you have any technical questions, these can be directed to the team at the Open University. This information will be provided to you on successful enrolment.
Apply now to become a leader for ecological transformation within your organisation
Please complete this form to express your interest in taking part in the course ‘Climate Change: Transforming Your Organisation for Sustainability’. Please note that this does not guarantee you a place in the course, and applications will be assessed. You will be contacted to confirm your participation once your application has been reviewed by our team. Applications will close by 23rd of August, and places are limited.
Veolia Australia and New Zealand reserves the right to offer limited, fully funded places in this course to selected employees, partners, suppliers and customers.