Specialisation Course for SMEs Professionals

certified by the Universidad de Salamanca

An international postgraduate course training agri-food
professionals in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability
strategies, and environmental auditing, using practical tools and
real-world case studies tailored to SMEs.

Registrations to second Micro credential open soon

The Specialisation Course for SME Professionals is an international postgraduate programme designed to equip agri-food professionals with practical skills to assess and improve environmental performance.

The programme combines applied learning, sector-specific case studies and hands-on training with a digital LCA tool developed for agri-food SMEs, culminating in a capstone project that simulates an LCA-based environmental audit. Furthermore, the course is delivered through two micro-credentials, together amounting to 30 weeks of learning and 24 ECTS. Participants develop expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability strategies and environmental auditing, in line with ISO 14040/44 and key European frameworks.

Applications for the first micro-credential are now closed. Applications for the second micro-credential will open soon.

Why this course?

Agri-food SMEs are increasingly required to measure, reduce, and
communicate their environmental impacts, yet many lack the technical expertise and practical tools to do so effectively.

What problem does it address?

It responds to the gap between sustainability ambitions and the ability of SMEs to apply robust, standardised methodologies such as LCA in real operational contexts.

what market need does it meet?

It meets the growing demand for professionals capable of supporting
sustainability strategies, environmental audits, and compliance with European
frameworks, using practical, SME-oriented digital solutions.

Type

International Micro-credential

Duration

30 weeks

ECTS Credits & Modules

24 ECTS and 6 modules

Format

Blended learning (asynchronous online
content and short synchronous sessions)

Language

English (with multilingual subtitles on all video content)

Credential Awarded

2 Micro-credentials certified by the Universidad de Salamanca

Universidade de Salamanca’s Moodle
Available Soon

1

Foundations of Sustainability and Life
Cycle Thinking in the Agri-food Sector

The first micro-credential,
Foundations of Sustainability and Life Cycle Thinking in the Agri-food Sector, introduces the environmental challenges facing
agri-food systems and equips
participants with the foundational knowledge of Life Cycle Thinking, environmental indicators, and sustainability strategies tailored to
SMEs. It provides theoretical
grounding and practical insights
into the integration of sustainability into business and policy contexts.

(Registrations Closed)

Course Description

This first course provides a solid foundation in
sustainability, environmental management, and life cycle
thinking applied to the agri-food sector. It equips participants with the conceptual, methodological, and strategic tools necessary to understand environmental challenges and integrate sustainability into SME operations. The course combines theory, frameworks, and case studies to help learners:
  • Understand sustainability principles, indicators, and
    governance frameworks.
  • Learn the fundamentals of Life Cycle Thinking and LCA methodology.
  • Explore how SMEs can implement environmental
    strategies, CSR, and eco-innovation.

Consult booklet here

Course Description

Foundations of Sustainability and Life Cycle Thinking in the Agri-food Sector

Duration

15 weeks

ECTS Credits

12 ECTS

Credential Awarded

Microcredential certified by the Universidad de Salamanca

Assessment Methods

Quizzes

Module 1

Foundation Module: Sustainability and Environmental Management
(4 ECTS)

Unit 1: Foundations of Sustainability in the Agri-food Sector

Unit 2: Environmental Impacts in Agri-food Systems

Unit 3: Measuring Sustainability – Indicators and Metrics

Unit 4: SMEs and Eco-Innovation in the Green Transition

Unit 5: Environmental Governance and Policy Frameworks

Module 2

Fundamentals of Life Cycle Thinking and LCA (4 ECTS)

Unit 1: Life Cycle Thinking as a Sustainability Tool

Unit 2: LCA Methodology and ISO Standards

Unit 3: Goal, Scope and Inventory Development

Unit 4: Impact Categories and Sustainability Assessment Tools

Unit 5: Tools, Databases and Case Study Applications

Module 3

Environmental Strategy,
CSR and Eco-Innovation in SMEs
(4 ECTS)

Unit 1: Environmental Strategy and Business Model Integration

Unit 2: CSR, ESG and Sustainability Reporting

Unit 3: Eco-labels, Certifications and Consumer Trust

Unit 4: Eco-design, Packaging and Sustainable Product Innovation

Unit 5: Circular Economy, Bioeconomy and SCP in Practice

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this micro credential, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain the core principles of sustainability and environmental management, and their application to agri-food systems.
  2. Interpret and use environmental indicators, sustainability metrics, and policy frameworks relevant to the sector
  3. Apply the principles of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) to assess environmental impacts along agri-food value chains.
  4. Understand the structure and purpose of the ISO 14040/44 standards and their role in LCA implementation.
  5. Identify opportunities for CSR, eco-efficiency, and ecoinnovation within agri-food SMEs.
  6. Analyse case studies demonstrating how environmental strategy can enhance competitiveness and social responsibility.
  7. Communicate sustainability performance results using transparent, data-driven approaches aligned with international standards.

2

Advanced Applications of life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Auditing in the Agri-Food Sector

The second micro-credential,
Advanced Applications of Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Auditing in the Agri-food Sector offers advanced training in LCA modelling, impact interpretation, and digital auditing tools. Participants will learn to apply LCA in real-world agri-food contexts, conduct sector-specific analyses, and simulate environmental audits using
the project’s dedicated software. The capstone project reinforces professional application of acquired skills.

(Registrations Will Open Soon)

Course Description

This second microcredential builds on Life Cycle
Thinking foundations, providing specialised training in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental auditing, and sector-specific applications in the agri-food sector. Through hands-on use of professional LCA tools and applied case studies, participants develop the skills to analyse, interpret, and communicate environmental results, supporting decision-making, sustainability strategies, and compliance with European regulations. The course combines methodological rigor with hands-on learning to help learners:
  • Develop strong analytical skills in environmental assessment.
  • Apply environmental results to business strategy and
    decision-making.
  • Communicate sustainability performance effectively to
    stakeholders.

Booklet will be available soon.

Course Description

Advanced Applications of Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Auditing in the Agri-food Sector

Duration

15 weeks

ECTS Credits

12 ECTS

Credential Awarded

Microcredential certified by the Universidad de Salamanca

Assessment Methods

Quizzes and a final project

Module 4

LCA Modelling and Impact Assessment
(4 ECTS)

Unit 1: Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) – Categories and Methods

Unit 2: Interpretation, Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis

Unit 3: Attributional vs Consequential LCA Approaches

Unit 4: Critical Review and Quality Assurance in LCA

Unit 5: LCA in Policy and Corporate Reporting

Module 5

Sector-specific Applications of LCA in Agri-food (4 ECTS)

Unit 1: LCA in Crop Production Systems

Unit 2: LCA in Livestock and Dairy Systems

Unit 3: LCA in Processing, Packaging and Distribution

Unit 4: Comparative LCAs and Decision Support

Unit 5: Innovation, Trade-offs and Sustainable Diets

Module 6

LCA for Environmental Auditors: Digital Tools
and Applied Practice
(4 ECTS)

Unit 1: Environmental Auditing – Concepts, Standards and Scope

Unit 2: LCA as a Tool for Auditors

Unit 3: Using the Digital LCA Tool in Audit Practice

Unit 4: Audit Reporting, Green Claims and Certification Schemes

Unit 5: Audit Simulation and Final Evaluation
Final Project: Life Cycle Assessment in an Agri-food SME

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this micro credential, learners will be able to:

  1. Design and perform complete LCA studies following international standards.
  2. Select and apply appropriate impact assessment methods for agri- food systems.
  3. Analyse environmental performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
  4. Use digital tools to support environmental auditing and reporting processes.
  5. Integrate circular economy and eco-innovation principles into agri- food operations.
  6. Interpret and communicate LCA results effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
  7. Develop and present an environmental audit report for an SME using verified methodologies.

Team

Coordinator

Partners

Project Number: 101139959

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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