“The investment was well worth it, and I’ve found the insights I gained to be incredibly useful“
Marcin Bacik
EHS Manager at JELD-WEN
Diploma in Business Sustainability Graduate
Can you tell me about your professional background?Â
I’m the EHS Manager for a company called JELD-WEN, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance interior and exterior doors, windows, and related products.Â
Why did you decide to do a business sustainability course?
In my role, I’m responsible for environmental health and safety, which involves gathering and analysing a lot of data. This sparked my interest in challenging myself further with a business sustainability course. While I already had a solid foundation, I wanted to explore what’s on the horizon in sustainability. I was particularly eager to expand my knowledge in areas I was less familiar with, such as sustainable finance and the circular economy.
What made you choose the Institute of Sustainability Studies as your educational provider?
When reviewing course options, the curriculum at the Institute of Sustainability Studies stood out as particularly comprehensive. It covered exactly what I was looking for, including practical topics like calculating and reducing Scope 3 emissions. The inclusion of various templates and tools was also a huge plus, as I knew they would be valuable in applying what I learned.
Tell me about your learning experience and how you found navigating the course.
The flexibility of the course was a perfect fit for my schedule. Since it was online and self-paced, I dedicated around two and a half hours per week to it, and every minute felt worthwhile. One of the most rewarding aspects was connecting with professionals from diverse industries. For example, I met someone whose business focuses on repurposing clothing into new fashion pieces, which was incredibly inspiring. The course content was excellent, packed with insightful case studies that helped deepen my understanding. I also appreciated the diverse expertise of the faculty – some were academics, while others were industry practitioners, offering a well-rounded perspective.
What has been the impact of completing the course on your role and career?
Earning an accreditation in sustainability has significantly enhanced my professional profile. The course pushed me to challenge myself, broaden my expertise, and gain confidence in my knowledge. This has been invaluable in my current role, where I now lead sustainability reporting for my site. Having a deeper understanding of the subject has given me the confidence to engage in meaningful discussions and make informed decisions in this space.
What would you say to someone on the fence about doing the course?
I’d say it’s absolutely worthwhile. The investment was well worth it, and I’ve found the insights I gained to be incredibly useful. Beyond just learning, the course provided me with practical tools, valuable connections, and a strong foundation to advance in the field of sustainability. If you’re considering it, I highly recommend taking the leap.
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