Downloads

Access the official Hydropower Sustainability Standard documents and reporting templates.

HS Standard

HS Standard

Reporting templates

Reporting templates

Certified projects

Assessment reports

How-to guides

How-to guides
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our online courses, enrolment process, learning platform, and more.

General information

What is the Hydropower Sustainability Training Academy, and what can I learn here?

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The Hydropower Sustainability Training Academy is the educational platform of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. We offer specialised courses on sustainability good practice for the hydropower sector, built around the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Through our training, you will build practical knowledge in environmental and social impact assessment, stakeholder engagement, biodiversity management, resettlement planning and other key issues facing hydropower projects.

What are the benefits of taking a course at the Hydropower Sustainability Training Academy?

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By enrolling in our courses, you will:

  • Gain practical knowledge of internationally recognised sustainability standard.
  • Learn from experienced trainers and industry leaders.
  • Improve your capacity to implement best practices in hydropower development.
  • Enhance your career prospects with a certificate of completion recognised by the global hydropower community.

Can the courses be tailored to my organisation's needs?

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Yes, we offer tailored training courses for organisations to address specific learning objectives, project requirements or regional priorities. For example, this can include a training for company Executives and Board of Directors, government officials and policy makers, hydropower project teams and financial institutions. Contact us at [email protected] and we can discuss your training needs.

Who should attend the courses?

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Our courses are open to professionals with all levels of experience in hydropower, including project developers, engineers, environmental and social specialists, government officials, consultants, and other hydropower stakeholders. No prior knowledge is required for our courses, making them accessible to anyone interested in sustainable hydropower.

FAQ - Courses

Courses

What is the right course for me?

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The decision on which course is right for you will often depend on the organisation you work for and your career path.

Certified User Learning Pathway is designed as a starting point in your learning journey, helping you understand the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), the assessment process, and its requirements. At the end of this pathway, you will be able to undertake unofficial assessments within your organisation.

HSS Environmental and Social Specialisations go deeper into specific topics within the HSS. These are designed for those who want to build focused expertise in a particular ESG area.

Accredited Assessor training, for advanced learners, is delivered in person on an on-demand basis. It enables you to provide commercial services using the HSS and conduct official assessments for external organisations.

If you need help deciding which course is best for you, please contact our training team at [email protected].

What is the format of the courses?

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We offer three flexible learning formats to suit different needs and learning preferences. The In-person Classroom format involves interactive, face-to-face learning at your company offices, provided upon request to fit your team's schedule. The Virtual Classroom format is live, instructor-led training sessions tailored provided upon request for company staff across the globe. The eLearning include self-paced online courses with high-quality video lessons, activities, and downloadable resources designed to fit your schedule and learning style.

Do I need to complete the Certified User pathway before taking a Specialisation course?

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Yes. The Certified User Learning Pathway is the foundation for all HSS Environmental and Social Specialisations. Completing Certified User first ensures you have the grounding in the Hydropower Sustainability Standard and assessment process needed to succeed in the more focused specialisation courses.

What kind of support is available during the course?

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We provide comprehensive support to ensure your learning experience is smooth and enriching. Our courses are managed by a dedicated coordinator who is available to answer administrative questions and provide guidance throughout the program.

You can connect with peers and instructors through interactive discussion forums, where you can ask questions, clarify course materials or share your own insights and ideas. For technical issues, our support team is available via email to assist with login problems, platform navigation, or other concerns. Additionally, you'll have access to a library of resources, including downloadable materials, video recordings, activities and quizzes, to support your learning journey. We are here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Will I receive a certificate or qualification upon completing the courses?

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Yes, participants who successfully complete a course will receive a digital certificate of completion provided by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. These certificates can be used for professional development and may contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.

What happens if I fail the exam?

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Not to worry, if you fail your first attempt at the exam, you will be able to resit the exam at a later date.

This is only relevant to the Certified User learning pathway. For the rest (E&S, biodiversity, resettlement etc), there is no exam only a final quiz.

FAQ - Enrollment & Payment

Enrollment & payment

What are the course fees?

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Course fees vary depending on the course and learning format, with pricing listed on each course page. Courses can be purchased individually or as a bundle. We also offer yearly organisational subscriptions for companies looking to enrol 5 or more team members and receive additional capacity building support from our trainers.

How do I sign up for a course?

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To sign up, visit our Course Catalogue to select your desired course, then click the "purchase this course" button. Fill in the registration information and payment card details. If you have received a discount code, please make sure to input the coupon code prior to payment.

Are there any discounts available?

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Yes, we are able to offer a range of discounts from 10% to 50% for eligible participants, including those from developing countries, students, academics and members of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) or HS Council.

Please check out our course discounts and bundles page to see whether you are eligible for a discount. To receive the discount code, please email [email protected].

Are there alternative payment methods available?

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If you're unable to complete a payment through the platform, we can arrange alternative methods such as bank transfers. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

Can I get an invoice for my payment?

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Yes, we can provide an invoice for your payment. Please email [email protected] with:

  • name of the course you would like to take
  • your full name, organisation and job title
  • banking information including tax ID/VAT/reg number

We will then send you an invoice for payment.

Can I get a receipt for my payment?

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Yes, after completing your payment a standard receipt will be automatically emailed to you. If you don't receive it or you would require a more detailed receipt, please contact us at [email protected] to request a copy.

If you make a payment outside of the training platform, then also contact us if you require a receipt.

Still have questions?

Contact us

Feel free to email us and we'll be happy to assist you.

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