Skills To Advance – Lean Principles for Sustainable Business
Lean Practice for Sustainable Business Special Purpose Award
Programme Structure
This programme is delivered through 100% face to face and classroom delivery using a virtual learning environment (VLE). If classroom delivery is not possible due to specific circumstances, tutor led online delivery may take place.
Special Purpose Award in Lean Practice for Sustainable Business (5S22193)
The aim of this award is to facilitate learners to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to identify key sustainability issues and their relationship to a business’s activities. Learners will learn how to apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies in the concept of Lean principles that will enhance the sustainable practices of a business to address climate and low carbon economic issues.
This programme has been developed based on consultation with the EPA, SEAI, Irish Water, IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Regional Skills Fora, and direct consultation with employers on their needs. In order to meet these needs learners must successfully complete the following module for this programme. For minimum award requirements, please refer to the QQI award structure for this award.
Training Facilities
The training facility must comply with:
1. all aspects of Health and Safety and Workplace standards (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
Act 2005) and
2. all specific validation requirements as set down by the awarding body.
Target Award
QQI Lean Practice for Sustainable Business – 5S22193
Start Date: 28-05-2026 Hours/week: 08 Hrs 00 Mins Duration: 5 weeks
The programme is positioned at Level 5 on the NFQ. Applicants seeking entry must have achieved a minimum of a NFQ Level 4 Major Award or its equivalent prior to entry to the programme, or have achieved the relevant skills, knowledge, and competence through work experience. Learners within this category are assessed prior to enrolment to ensure they meet the required skills to undertake the programme.
Age Requirements
Applicants must have reached the current statutory school leaving age.
Learning Aptitude
This programme primarily targets those applicants who are currently employed and seek to develop their Lean and sustainability skills and competencies and apply them within their workplace. The content within this programme is suitable for all levels of the workforce (including management, team-leads, general operatives and administrative roles, among others) and across all business functions.
Learners will not be expected to have prior knowledge of Lean on entry to the programme, but they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in the field.
Previous Experience
Applicants who have either successfully completed a programme leading to a Level 4 QQI qualification or can demonstrate the levels of knowledge, skills and competence associated with NFQ Level 4 will be eligible to apply for entry to this programme.
Learners will not be expected to have prior knowledge of Lean on entry to the programme, but they will be expected to demonstrate an interest in the field.
| Module | Award | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Principles for Sustainable Business | Lean Principles for Sustainable Business (5N22196) | QQI |
On successful completion of the award in Lean Practice for Sustainable Business, the learner will be able to:
1. Identify key climate / sustainability issues and their relationship to an organisation’s activities
2. Determine the challenges and opportunities for businesses in strategically aligning with relevant national and international policies
3. Apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies in the concept of Lean that will enhance the sustainable practices of their business
4. Apply key Lean principles to develop solutions in order to increase operational efficiency, create cost savings and reduce waste within a business
The aim of this award is to facilitate learners to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to identify key sustainability issues and their relationship to a business’s activities. Learners will learn how to apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies in the concept of Lean principles that will enhance the sustainable practices of a business to address climate and low carbon economic issues.
The Lean Practice for Sustainable Business (Level 5, 15 credits) micro-qualification programme is suitable for businesses and enterprises (large, SME and Micro Business) across all sectors of economic activity. This programme primarily targets those applicants who are currently employed and seek to develop their Lean and sustainability skills and competencies and apply them within their workplace. The content within this programme is suitable for all levels of the workforce (including management, team-leads, general operatives and administrative roles, among others) and across all business functions.
The Lean Practice for Sustainable Business Special Purpose Award consists of 2 modules:
Lean Principles for Sustainable Business (5 credits)
Lean Tools for Sustainable Business (10 credits)
Lean Principles for Sustainable Business
A range of units with content covering lean principles for sustainable business are available, including:
1. The importance and benefits to a business of engaging in more sustainable business practice.
2. The basic concepts of Lean and identify the fundamental Lean principles and methods used by sustainable organisations.
3. Evaluating the Lean and Green wastes that exist in organisations
4. Identifying a Lean sustainability project to reduce waste at an organisation of the learner’s choice.
Lean Tools for Sustainable Business
A range of units with content covering lean tools for sustainable business are available, including:
1. The basic concepts of Lean and understand the key Lean principles and methods used by sustainable organisations
2. Determining the current state of the business and its utilisation of resources, materials and processes and map the findings.
3. The role of data in supporting Lean for Green Projects.
4. Identifying Lean Analysis techniques and their application for enhanced sustainability practices.
5. Identifying and applying Lean methods used to improve sustainable solutions.
6. Selecting and developing solutions and improvements to maintain control over Sustainable business practices