Using ISO Standards to Green Technical Vocational Education and Training Systems in Developing Countries

Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in developing countries can play a critical role in supporting climate change actions by educating and training students in the skills and knowledge needed to implement and maintain systems and processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards are a set of international guidelines that establish requirements, specifications, and guidelines for a wide range of products, services, and management systems. In the context of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), ISO standards can be used to ensure the quality of the education and training being provided, as well as to promote sustainability within the TVET sector.

ISO standards provide a framework for organizations to develop and implement systems and processes that meet international best practices. By incorporating ISO standards into their curriculum, TVET programs in developing countries can:

• Help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and maintain ISO-compliant systems and processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
• Ensure that students are learning skills and knowledge that are relevant and up-to-date with industry best practices for addressing climate change.
• Prepare students to work in organizations that are taking action to address climate change and are certified to ISO standards such as ISO 14001 (environmental management systems) and ISO 50001 (energy management systems).

In addition to incorporating ISO standards into their curriculum, TVET centers can also use these standards for greening their facilities and operations. By implementing systems and processes that conform to ISO standards, TVET centers can:

• Reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
• Promote sustainable practices in their facilities and operations, such as green purchasing, recycling, waste management, and water conservation.

In conclusion, implementing ISO standards in TVET center facilities can not only help address climate change and promote sustainability, but it can also save money and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the center.  By following these standards, TVET institutions can demonstrate that they are meeting internationally recognized standards of quality, which can help to improve the credibility and reputation of the institution. TVET centers that implement ISO-compliant systems and processes may also be eligible for certification. 

• Author: Amir Radfar, TVET Quality Assurance and Greening TVET Consultant