Learning pathways
Explore structured learning pathways designed to help professionals understand, apply and demonstrate sustainability practices in hydropower
Step 1: Start free
Get started with sustainability in hydropower by taking an introductory course.
This optional free course introduces the key sustainability concepts that shape hydropower development and explains why sustainability matters across the hydropower project lifecycle.
This optional free course introduces the key sustainability concepts that shape hydropower development and explains why sustainability matters across the hydropower project lifecycle.
Step 2: Get Certified
Become an HSS Certified User by following a pathway through these individual courses:
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HSS Fundamentals
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HSS Assessment Planning
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Applying the HSS in Practice
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Certified User exam
Step 3: Specialise
Become an HSS Environmental or Social Specialist through targeted courses.
Environmental Specialist
Social Specialist
Step 1: Introductory free course
Designed as an entry point into the world of hydropower sustainability, this optional course provides a clear, high-level orientation to the challenges, risks and expectations shaping today’s projects, helping you understand what matters and where to focus.
Whether you are new to the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) or exploring how to strengthen your organisation’s approach, this course will help you navigate your next steps with confidence.
Step 2: Certified User pathway
The Certified User learning pathway is the essential starting point for anyone who wants to understand and apply the HSS in practice. Through a structured series of online courses, you will learn how the Standard is organised, how assessments are planned, and how performance is interpreted and reported.
Upon completion of the pathway and the online exam, you will receive the title of the HSS Certified User, a digital certificate and a badge to share to your network.
1
HSS
Fundamentals
2
HSS
Assessment Planning
3
Applying the
HSS in Practice
4
Certified User
Exam
Step 3: Specialise your expertise
Once you have built a strong foundation in the HSS, you can deepen your knowledge through specialised pathways focused on key environmental and social topics in hydropower.
Environmental Specialist pathway
Designed for professionals working on environmental management, biodiversity, water quality, sediment management, climate resilience and related project risks. It helps learners explore how environmental requirements are assessed under the HSS and how projects can improve performance across key environmental topics.
Social Specialist pathway
Designed for professionals working on stakeholder engagement, community impacts, resettlement, cultural heritage, labour, project benefits and social risk management. It supports learners in understanding how strong social performance contributes to project success and long-term sustainability.
Learning options
Individual learning
Choose the learning option that works best for you.
You can purchase full learning pathways as discounted
bundles or enrol in selected individual courses based
on your professional needs.
Pathways are ideal if you want a structured route
towards accreditation or specialisation, while
individual courses allow you to focus on specific
topics at your own pace.
Corporate learning
Support your team with structured access to HSS training. Our organisational subscriptions provide access to online courses, certificate tracking and reporting options to help companies build internal capacity across multiple teams.
Whether you are preparing for an HSS assessment, strengthening ESG performance or developing a shared understanding of sustainability good practice, we can help tailor learning access to your organisation’s needs.
Ready to start your learning journey?
Begin with the free introductory course, become an HSS Certified User or choose a specialised pathway to deepen your expertise.